Category archives: St. Augustine
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3 years ago
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When one spouse is in a nursing home and applying for Medicaid, planning has to take into account the possibility that the spouse who is not in the nursing home (called the "community spouse") may pass away first. This is because the community spouse's death may make the spouse in the nursing home i... [read more]
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3 years ago
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will add data on staff turnover rates and weekend staffing levels to its Care Compare website, giving consumers another tool when choosing a nursing home.
The official Medicare website includes a nursing home rating system. Ca... [read more]
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3 years ago
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February reminds us of the importance of love in our lives. One way that you can demonstrate your love for your family is to help relieve stress and any unnecessary hardship by being prepared for the future and the difficult realities of life.
This year, as we celebrate Valentine's Day, I encoura... [read more]
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3 years ago
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The Biden administration is moving forward with a Trump-era pilot program that would hand over the care of millions of Medicare beneficiaries to private, mostly for-profit, groups.
Health care advocates warn that that the little-known plan will limit patients’ choice of providers and effectiv... [read more]
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3 years ago
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Vaccines can become less effective over time. Even individuals fully vaccinated as children may need to update their immunizations. Medicare Parts B and D offer vaccination coverage.
Medicare Part B covers shots for the flu, hepatitis B, pneumococcal (pneumonia), and COVID-19. Medicare covers 100... [read more]
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3 years ago
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Anyone who gifted assets within five years of applying for Medicaid may be subject to a penalty period, but that penalty can be reduced or eliminated if the assets are returned.
In order to be eligible for Medicaid, you cannot have recently transferred assets. Congress does not want you to mo... [read more]
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3 years ago
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Plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit against the Social Security Administration (SSA) might describe it as an open-and-shut case. When the SSA closed its field offices at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it remained open for the purposes of denying benefits. But, plaintiffs say, the agency was ef... [read more]
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3 years ago
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When applying for Medicaid’s long-term care coverage, in addition to the strict income and asset limits, you must demonstrate that you need a level care typically provided in a nursing home.
Whether you are applying for nursing home coverage or through a Medicaid waiver program for coverage a... [read more]
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3 years ago
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Medicare premiums are rising sharply next year, cutting into the large Social Security cost-of-living increase. The basic monthly premium will jump 15.5 percent, or $21.60, from $148.50 to $170.10 a month.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the premium and other Me... [read more]
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3 years ago
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The year was 1983: The U.S. invaded Grenada. A gallon of gas cost 96 cents. Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ video premiered. That year was also the last time that Social Security recipients saw a cost-of-living increase steeper than the one just announced for 2022. This year, Social Security benefits w... [read more]
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3 years ago
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All older Americans are vulnerable to financial abuse, but there are certain circumstances that make someone more likely to be scammed. An online survey can help older adults (or their caregivers) assess their risk of being exploited based on how they make financial decisions.
It is hard to a... [read more]
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3 years ago
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Lucas Honda generously offered to help us yet again this year with our Thanksgiving Food Drive for The Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs.
Managing Attorney, Grady H. Williams, Jr., LL.M. is pictured with Executive Assistant and Marketing Manager, Paula Emery and John Rose of Lucas Honda and t... [read more]
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