Elder Law

Takeaways

Full Social Security Retirement Age (FRA) is 67 for those born in 1960 or later, not 65 as it once was, due to legislation adjusting for increased life expectancy.
Claiming Social Security benefits before FRA results in permanently reduced monthly payments.
Your…

Takeaways

A new phishing attack is targeting Social Security recipients with email messages pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA), prompting them to download fake Social Security statements.

These malicious downloads give hackers access to sensitive personal information, including bank…

Takeaways

Assisted living facilities (ALFs) often evict or refuse to admit Medicaid-eligible individuals. Unlike nursing homes, ALFs are not subject to federal rules protecting residents from involuntary discharge.
Residents facing eviction from an ALF should consult with a local elder law attorney.

Every…

Takeaways

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the death of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain.
Symptoms of PD include tremors, slowness of movement, limb rigidity, and gait and balance problems.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s is a movement disorder…

Takeaways

The Campos v. Kijakazi lawsuit addressed problems with overpayments and benefit reductions for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A settlement was reached. It provides automatic relief for about 250,000 SSI recipients and new guidance for nearly 2…

Takeaways

Medicaid, a vital program providing health care for low-income individuals, is facing potential funding cuts that could significantly affect older adults and people with disabilities.

Proposed reductions in Medicaid funding may lead to states cutting benefits, restricting eligibility, and reducing health…

Takeaways

Pairing senior adults with senior pets offers mutual benefits, including companionship and reduced loneliness for humans, and a loving home for older animals.
While there are challenges like health costs and emotional considerations, supportive programs and careful planning can make these…

Takeaways

The WISH Act proposes a federal long-term care insurance trust fund to provide monthly funds for long-term care expenses after a waiting period, aiming to support aging in place and reduce reliance on Medicaid.
Potential benefits include increased access to home-based…

Takeaways

Dementia is a growing global health concern, and while there is no cure, research suggests a potential link between shingles vaccines and a decreased risk of developing dementia.
Studies have shown that older adults who received the Zostavax shingles vaccine had…

Takeaways

Social Security is a vital source of income for millions of Americans, especially seniors, but the system faces insolvency by the mid-2030s, potentially leading to benefit cuts.

There is an ongoing debate about privatizing Social Security, with some advocating for individual…