For many Americans, the happenings in Washington, D.C., might seem far-removed from their day-to-day lives. But as staff from numerous federal departments are eliminated, and our nation’s policymakers deliberate over significant budget changes and cuts, older Americans across the country stand to be profoundly impacted. No matter which side of the political divide you stand [...]
Today is Giving Tuesday, a global movement celebrating generosity, observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Many older adults use the holiday season as an opportunity to give away some of their cash or other valuable assets to loved ones or charitable causes. And while these gifts are no-doubt appreciated by their recipients, there are reasons [...]
As of October 11, 2024, significant changes have been made to establish appeals processes for certain Medicare beneficiaries who are initially admitted as hospital inpatients but are subsequently reclassified as outpatients receiving observation services during their hospital stay and who meet other eligibility criteria. Here's what you need to know about how this might impact [...]
Turning 65 is a major milestone for a lot of people. In the U.S., it’s considered the typical “retirement age,” opening the door to a variety of benefits, including the ability for retirees to sign up for a Medicare health insurance plan. While Medicare can help ensure seniors get the healthcare and services they need, [...]
For fiscal year 2020, 76.5 million Americans were enrolled in Medicaid, including 6.4 million seniors. Medicaid is the single largest payer for long-term care in this country. In part, that’s because the cost of long-term care can be so exorbitant — averaging $51,600 a year for assisted living and $93,000 for a semi-private nursing home [...]
We all know that location is critical when it comes to investing in real estate, but research shows that geography also is key to getting the best care for seniors. In the fall, we shared the latest rankings for the states with the best long-term care services in the U.S. Another recent report examines the [...]
The jargon used in the senior living and healthcare industry can be confusing; there are a lot of terms that sound similar but have very different meanings. One phrase that can sometimes befuddle people is “Medicare-certified" as it relates to senior care providers. So, let’s break down exactly what this term means. >> Related: Demystify [...]
In a previous post titled Long Term Care: What Does Medicare Actually Cover?, I described the possible out-of-pocket financial impact someone may face by receiving care in a private-pay skilled nursing facility (SNF) versus a Medicare-certified SNF. In a nutshell, Medicare Part A will cover medically necessary skilled nursing care—for a limited time and limited amount—if certain [...]
Although Medicare is usually thought of as coverage for hospital stays (Part A) and doctor visits (part B), it also has an application to senior living. When I speak to groups of people who are considering moving to a retirement community—specifically continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs)—I’m often asked how Medicare plays into the decision. [...]
A source of confusion for seniors or families researching a senior care center is understanding the difference between a “Medicare-certified” facility and a “private-pay” facility.
