Many, many people use joint ownership as a cheap, do-it-yourself method to avoid probate or hiring an attorney to draft an estate plan. Unfortunately, it often has consequences that may not be apparent until it’s too late. For example, joint ownership can expose both parties to claims from one of the owner’s creditors, which is…
Helping those who need it most
Texas considers withdrawal from Medicaid
In an effort to bridge a $25 billion budget deficit, some Texas lawmakers propose dropping out of the Medicaid program, which is jointly funded by states and the federal government. But not everyone thinks this is the best idea. “Because of the substantial amount of matching money that comes from the federal government,” Mr. Zerwas…
Elderlaw & disability conference
Am attending the State Bar of Michigan’s Elder Law & Disability conference at Crystal Mountain, Michigan today through Friday.
Exciting news
I am excited to report that I have been elected to serve on the board of directors for RSVP of Lansing. Their website is http://www.volunteerlansing.com/
Medicare rules give full hospital benefits only to those with ‘inpatient’ status
Read the article here.
Texas Advocates Rally Against Cuts to Community-based Services
Independent living for the elderly and individuals with special needs has been shown to save money and frees these folks from the confines of institutions. But because of budget shortfalls, Texas is looking to slash their community based programs. “Proposed cuts in community-based care for the elderly, the disabled and the mentally ill would increase…
Medicare Expands Coverage To Help Seniors Quit Smoking
“Medicare coverage for seniors trying to quit smoking has been expanded to include those who have not already been diagnosed with a tobacco-related disease, the Obama administration announced Wednesday.” Full article here.
Palliative Care Helps Improve Quality of Life for Sick Patients
“Integrating palliative care early in the treatment of patients with advanced lung cancer not only improved their mood and quality of life, it also extended their lives.” That’s the finding of a new medical study. Palliative care is an important consideration for end of life care and should be among the options considered in durable…
Cuts in Home Care Put Elderly and Disabled at Risk
Everyone agrees that an elderly or disabled indivdual receiving proper care in his or her home is preferable to a nursing home stay. There are programs that help transition these folks into the community and help them stay there. These programs also save vast amounts of money compared to the state’s Medicaid program paying for…
HHS Awards $159.1 Million to Support Health Care Workforce Training
“HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today will announce $159.1 million in grants to health care workforce training programs. These grants build on the multimillion dollar investments made under the Affordable Care Act and Recovery Act to strengthen and grow our primary care workforce. The grants will target three types of programs: Nursing Workforce Development programs; interdisciplinary…
