Tag: Jim Koewler

Elder Law and special needs attorney Jim Koewler talks about planning ahead — what do people need to plan for? When you can't take care of yourself, and you have trouble with activities of daily living — being able to get out of bed or a chair, bathing, eating, toileting, or dressing on your own — you're either injured (temporary) or facing a permanent change. How do you plan ahead for that financially? You can 1) do nothing, 2) buy insurance, or 3) give money away now while you're healthy, and rely on Medicaid later on. If you pick 3, work with a long-term care attorney to find a balance of what you need to care for yourself vs. what you're able to live without. Jim addresses all three choices.

Elder Law and special needs attorney Jim Koewler talks about options if a senior doesn't have enough income to afford Medicare supplemental insurance. If you want to have more than bare Medicare, look for a Medicare Advantage program that does the most for you. Specifically ask for plans that are generous on rehab, because rehab is expensive. Good rehab means a better life after rehab is done. Companies that give you money back, or charge less, means they have less money to cover you with.

In this hour, Elder Law and special needs attorney Jim Koewler talks about Medicaid, specifically in the long-term-care process as we're aging. This segment focuses on more of the criteria that would allow someone to participate in Medicaid, in particular the ideas of resources and spend-down.

In this hour, Elder Law and special needs attorney Jim Koewler talks about Medicaid, specifically in the long-term-care process as we're aging. This segment focuses on more of the criteria that would allow someone to participate in Medicaid, in particular the ideas of resources and spend-down.

In this hour, Elder Law and long-term-care planning attorney Jim Koewler talks about Medicaid, specifically in the long-term-care process as we're aging. Medicaid is the single biggest payer toward long-term care in the United States. Medicaid for long-term care is different than Medicaid under Obama-care, different than Medicaid for people with disabilities. In this segment, Jim talks about what it is, as well as some of the criteria that would allow someone to participate in Medicaid, covering some of the differences in different states.

In this hour, Elder Law and special needs attorney Jim Koewler answers questions about the daunting world of Medicare. This segment focuses on Part D, the prescription drug coverage.

In this hour, Elder Law and special needs attorney Jim Koewler answers questions about the daunting world of Medicare. Medicare pays 80% of covered costs, and this segment focuses on how you choose to pay for the remaining 20%, clarifying the differences between Medicare Advantage and the supplement program.

In this hour, Elder Law and special needs attorney Jim Koewler answers questions about the daunting world of Medicare. This segment focuses on the differences between the various parts - A, B, C, and D, the big four parts of Medicare. Part A is free if you paid into it while working, and covers 80% of hospitalization costs with a 0 premium. Part B covers non-admission-related hospital costs such as visits by doctors and specialists, paid for with a deduction from social security payments. Part C are advantage plans, which if you elect one would replace your Part A and B options and includes Part D features, covering a lot but not necessarily covering it well. Part D is prescription drug coverage.

In this hour, Elder Law and special needs attorney Jim Koewler answers questions about the daunting world of Medicare. This segment provides an overview of Medicare, the Federally-funded health insurance for people 65 or over. If you're approaching your 65th birthday, start thinking about this: you can sign up three months prior to and up to three months after your birthday. Don't miss that magic window, at it results in getting an annual late-fee penalty, and you might not be able to get the health insurance that you want to go with your Medicare. Medicare covers 80% of covered health costs; vision and dental aren't covered unless they're considered medical treatments.

Elder Law Attorney Jim Koewler talks about advanced directives, crucial for family caregivers.