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Just Say No to Nursing Home Arbitration Clauses

October 17, 2013 by Kristina

mas-home-careMoving an aging parent or loved one into a nursing home can be a difficult and stressful time. You’re likely anxious to get mom or dad finally settled. Before you get ready to sign those admissions papers, though, watch out for mandatory nursing home arbitration clauses hidden within all the fine print. Otherwise, you may not even realize it’s there and sign away your right to take the nursing home to court in the event something tragic happens. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Nursing home, Retirement Planning Tagged With: arbitration clause, fine print, nursing home, nursing home care

Can you be kicked out of assisted living?

October 15, 2013 by Kristina

assisted-living-facilityIt’s not uncommon for an assisted living facility to try to force a resident out, or to refuse to renew the person’s lease.

Often, the reason is that the facility believes that the resident’s condition has deteriorated to the point where it can no longer provide all the services that he or she needs. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Assisted Living, Blog Tagged With: assisted living, medicare, your rights

How to Choose the Best Medicare Part D Drug Plan

October 11, 2013 by Kristina

best-medicare-part-d-drug-planChoosing the best drug plan under Medicare Part D isn’t always easy. Some people just pick the plan with the lowest premium, but that Medicare Part D plan might not be the best value for you, depending on your needs.

The real cost of a Medicare Part D plan depends not only on the premium, but also on the availability of the drugs you need, your additional out-of-pocket costs, and how convenient it is to obtain your medications. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Elder Needs, Family, Retirement Planning Tagged With: aging, elder law, medicare part d, Retirement Planning

5 Things to Discuss Before Retirement

October 10, 2013 by Kristina

You may have a vision for your retirement, but does your spouse share that vision?

retirement-planningA recent study by Fidelity Investments found that many couples are not in accord about retirement. For example, one-third of couples approaching retirement disagree about or don’t know where they are going to live after they retire, and 62 percent don’t agree on their expected retirement ages. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Retirement Planning Tagged With: retirement, retirement issues, Retirement Planning, spousal planning

Are you getting the right Medicare coverage?

October 7, 2013 by Kristina

the-right-medicare-coverageSeniors who have chronic illnesses and disabilities can now get Medicare coverage for skilled nursing and therapy services … even if those services will simply maintain the person’s present health status and aren’t likely to improve their condition.

Earlier this year, the government agreed to settle a class action lawsuit over this issue. That settlement has now been approved by a federal court – and what’s more, the settlement has been made retroactive to January 18, 2011, so if you were denied coverage for services after that date, you might be able to go back and re-apply for coverage. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Medicare Tagged With: medicare, medicare part a

What conditions does Medicare cover

September 30, 2013 by Kristina

medical_care_card_usa_sampleIn a major change, the federal government has agreed to provide seniors who have chronic illnesses and disabilities with Medicare coverage for many services … even if those services will simply maintain the person’s present health status and aren’t likely to improve their condition. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Medicare, Recent Legal Matters Tagged With: medicare, medicare coverage

Choose Your Medicare Doctor Carefully

August 17, 2013 by Kristina

choose-your-medicare-doctorIf you have original Medicare, then choosing which doctor you visit can make a big difference in how much you have to pay.

Under Medicare Part B, which pays for doctor visits, once your annual deductible is met, Medicare pays 80 percent of what it considers a “reasonable charge” for the item or service. You’re responsible for the other 20 percent. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Medicare, Retirement Planning Tagged With: medicare, medicare coverage, medicare part B

What Happens if My Long-Term Care Insurance Fails?

August 8, 2013 by Kristina

long-term-care-insurance-failsPeople typically buy long-term care insurance years before they need it. As a result, they’re taking a gamble that the company will still be around when it’s time to pay out. What happens if the long-term care insurance company goes out of business?

But in cases where an insurance company simply fails, every state has an insurance guaranty association that protects consumers. The purpose of this association is to take over the policies of an insurance company that’s experiencing financial difficulties and ensure that claims are paid. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Long-Term Care Insurance, Longterm Care Tagged With: Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance

Women May Soon Pay More for Long-Term Care Insurance

July 12, 2013 by Kristina

womens-long-term-careLong-term care insurance may soon be getting more expensive for women. That’s because two of the country’s biggest long-term care insurance providers have announced plans to introduce “gender-based” pricing. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Long-Term Care Insurance Tagged With: Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, women's rights

Medicare Mistakes Lead to Big Penalties

June 11, 2013 by Kristina

medicare-mistakesMost people should sign up for Medicare when they reach 65; if they wait until later, they have to pay a significant penalty when they do sign up. There’s an exception, though, for people who are still employed at age 65 and are covered by a group health plan. These people can delay signing up for Medicare without a penalty. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, MassHealth Tagged With: cobra, MassHealth, medicare, medicare part B, medicare part d

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Vickstrom Law


Vickstrom Law, PC
Kristina R. Vickstrom, Esq.
172 Shrewsbury Street
Worcester, MA 01604
508.757.3800


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