It has been a tumultuous few years. Amid a continuing pandemic, tense midterm elections, and a war in Ukraine, we have grappled with more than our fair share of grim news.

However, with the new year upon us, there are some silver linings — in particular for seniors.

Here are five reasons for seniors to celebrate in 2023:

1. Social Security Benefits Are Seeing the Biggest Increase in 40 Years.

Social Security beneficiaries will find that their monthly checks are increasing by nearly 9 percent, come January 2023. This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is the largest boost to Social Security benefits in more than four decades.

For more than 65 million individuals currently receiving these benefits, payments will rise by about $140 on average per month.

If you are a Social Security beneficiary, you can get an estimate of how much more you will be receiving in 2023 by using the online My Social Security portal on the Social Security Administration website.

2. Medicare Part B Premiums Are Lower.

For the first time in more than 10 years, Medicare Part B enrollees will see some of their costs decline.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announced that the following will take effect in 2023:

• The Medicare Part B basic monthly premium is decreasing by $5.20 per month (savings of $62 for the year).
• The Medicare Part B annual deductible is decreasing by $7 per month (savings of $84 for the year).

Note that beneficiaries with higher incomes pay higher monthly premiums. Read more in the news release from CMS.

3. You Can Contribute More Than Ever to Retirement.

The IRS is allowing record increases in 2023 for contributions to 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, and traditional IRAs.

If you are working and have a 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan, you can contribute up to $22,500 to that account in 2023. Working individuals who are 50 years and older can contribute another $7,500.

If you have a Roth IRA or IRA, you can now contribute $6,500 in 2023 (up from $6,000 in 2022).

4. You Don’t Have to Wait Months for Medicare Part B Coverage to Begin.

A new rule is also setting seniors up with improved access to health care coverage. In the past, if you waited until the last three months of your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) to enroll in Medicare, you would have to wait another two to three months before your coverage began.

As of January 1, 2023, if you enroll in Medicare during the last three months of your IEP, your Medicare Part B coverage will begin on the first day of the month after you sign up. You will not have to wait several months to receive benefits.

If you sign up for Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31, you used to face a coverage gap. Coverage did not begin until July 1. Starting in 2023, your coverage will start the first day of the month after you enroll.

5. SSI and SSDI Benefits Are Also Seeing a Boost.

If you are a beneficiary of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you will see modest increases in your monthly benefits payouts before the new year. Beginning on December 30, 2022, SSI individual recipients will receive $73 more a month. Couples will receive $110 more in SSI benefits per month.

Meanwhile, SSDI benefits will see a monthly increase of about $119 more on average for those who are not blind.

Access a comprehensive list of all 2023 Social Security changes in PDF format.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2023 federal guidelines for how much money the spouses of institutionalized Medicaid recipients may keep, as well as related Medicaid figures.

What Are Spousal Impoverishment Rules?

Spousal impoverishment is a concern for older couples when there is one spouse who requires long-term care and applies for Medicaid.

Before the federal government enacted spousal impoverishment protections, many healthy spouses faced poverty when their partners needed long-term care. The spousal impoverishment rules are based on the idea that spouses will provide for each other.

Community Spouse Resource Allowance

In 2023, the spouse of a Medicaid recipient living in a nursing home (called the “community spouse“) may keep as much as $148,620 without jeopardizing the Medicaid eligibility of the spouse who is receiving long-term care.

Known as the community spouse resource allowance (CSRA), this is the most that a state may allow a community spouse to retain without a hearing or a court order. While some states set a lower maximum, the least that a state may allow a community spouse to retain in 2023 will be $29,724.

Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance

Meanwhile, the maximum monthly maintenance needs allowance (MMMNA) for 2023 will be $3,715.50. This is the most in monthly income that a community spouse is allowed to have if their own income is not enough to live on and they must take some or all of the institutionalized spouse's income.

The minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance for the lower 48 states will be $2,288.75 ($2,861.25 for Alaska and $2,632.50 for Hawaii) until July 1, 2023.

In determining how much income a particular community spouse is allowed to retain, states must abide by this upper and lower range. Bear in mind that these figures apply only if the community spouse needs to take income from the institutionalized spouse.

According to Medicaid law, the community spouse may keep all their own income, even if it exceeds the maximum monthly maintenance needs allowance.

The new spousal impoverishment numbers (except for the minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance) take effect on January 1, 2023.

Learn more about the CSRA and the monthly maintenance needs allowance.

Home Equity Limits

In 2023, a Medicaid applicant’s principal residence will not be counted as an asset by Medicaid if the applicant's equity interest in the home is less than $688,000. States have the option of raising this limit to $1,033,000.

For more information on Medicaid’s home equity limit, read this ElderLawAnswers story.

You may be nervous about whether Medicare will cover a second opinion if you wish to confirm whether a medical treatment or surgery is right for you. Given the cost of doctor visits today, the prospect of an out-of-pocket expense for a second opinion is understandably concerning.

Under Medicare Part B…

Medicare Part B will help pay for a second opinion if a doctor recommends that you pursue a medically necessary surgery or another major procedure. In fact, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends that a person get a second opinion when their doctor tells them surgery is needed to diagnose or treat a nonemergency but medically necessary health issue.

However, “medically necessary” is a significant component of coverage. Medicare won’t pay for second opinions for surgeries or procedures that aren’t medically necessary. These include cosmetic procedures, alternative medicine, most dental care, nonmedical services, some vision, and other excluded services.

Remember, before seeking any second opinion on a procedure, confirm that the doctor accepts Medicare. Third opinions may also be covered if the first two opinions are different from each other.

If the second doctor orders additional tests, as long as they are medically necessary, Medicare will also help pay for these expenses. The payment structure will be the same as for the first opinion. After you meet your yearly Part B deductible, Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved amount, and you pay 20 percent, plus any copay.

What About Medicare Advantage?

You should also be able to get coverage for a second opinion if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. Just remember that some Medicare Advantage Plans will only cover a second or third opinion if you have a referral from your primary care doctor and the second doctor is in-network.

Readers should also remember that just because Medicare may cover a second or third opinion, coverage of the therapy, surgery, or procedure is not guaranteed. Find more answers to your Medicare questions on ElderLawAnswers.com.

Although Medicaid and Medicare are both public health insurance programs, they have essential differences.

Medicare is a federal program for older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals with end-stage renal failure. Medicaid is federal-state assistance for those with limited incomes.

History of Medicaid and Medicare

Congress amended the Social Security Act in 1965, creating health care programs for older adults and those receiving public assistance.

• Providing health care aid for low-income people, Title XIX formed Medicaid.
• Title XVII established Medicare, offering public health insurance for people aged 65 and older In 1973, the legislature widened the scope of Medicare to help certain disabled persons and individuals with kidney disease.

Roles of States and the Federal Government

The states and federal government play different roles in administering Medicare and Medicaid, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Medicare

Medicare is a federal program that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services runs, so it is consistent across states.

Funding for Medicare comes from general federal revenues, payroll tax revenues, and beneficiaries’ premiums.

Medicaid

Although the federal government sets the general rules for Medicaid, states administer the program, leading to variability across jurisdictions. For Medicaid, states can establish different qualification requirements within federal guidelines.

States and the federal government jointly subsidize Medicaid, per Medicaid.gov. Federal Medical Assistance Percentages determine how much money the federal government matches each state in support of Medicaid.

Qualifying for Medicare

Generally, after paying income taxes for 10 years, a person and their spouse can enroll in Medicare upon turning 65.

Qualifying individuals with disabilities do not have to wait until retirement age to enroll in Medicare. For example, people eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance can also receive Medicare after a two-year waiting period. Those with end-stage renal disease can obtain Medicare at any age if they, their spouse, or their parent if they are a dependent child, have worked the required amount.

Qualifying for Medicaid

Medicaid primarily benefits people with limited earnings. As states run Medicaid, the enrollment requirements can vary by state. Review the eligibility requirements for your state using Medicaid.gov’s state overview feature.

There are multiple pathways to Medicaid, as the Kaiser Family Foundation explains. States must allow low-income parents, children, and those who are pregnant to qualify for Medicaid if their income falls below a certain threshold. This threshold is calculated using the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) financial method. Those who received foster care as children can get Medicaid regardless of income.

The basis for eligibility can stem from enrollment in other programs, such as Supplemental Security Income or the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment and Prevention Program. States can also allow older people and individuals with disabilities to qualify for Medicaid, imposing both income and asset limits.

In some states, those with medical expenses greatly diminishing their net incomes can qualify for Medicaid under the Medically Needy Program. People with income exceeding the threshold for Medicaid but with medical expenses that reduce their net income below Medicaid’s limit can receive coverage for the costs they cannot afford.

Do Medicaid or Medicare Fund Long-Term Care?

While Medicare covers hospitalizations, short-term care in a skilled nursing facility, and hospice care, it does not fund long-term care. Medicaid covers long-term care in nursing homes, according to the American Council on Aging.

Some older adults can enroll in both Medicare and Medicaid for greater coverage of their health care needs. For instance, one might have Medicare covering hospitalizations and Medicaid covering long-term care.

To learn more about qualifying for Medicare or Medicaid, speak to an elder law attorney.

Assisted living facilities support older adults with daily living while fostering their independence. Individuals who do not require round-the-clock nursing but need help with everyday activities like bathing, housekeeping, medications, and meal preparation can benefit from assisted living.

Some seniors choose to move into assisted living following a frightening event, such as a fall. They want to live autonomously but may feel unsafe in their homes.

Averaging $4,500 per month, assisted living can be expensive. Those considering assisted living might wonder whether Medicare, a federal health insurance program for qualifying adults aged 65 or over, will cover the cost.

Traditional Medicare covers only certain health services to those residing in an assisted living facility. Meanwhile, some Medicare Advantage programs may only pay for services that help people remain in their homes.

Does Traditional Medicare Cover Assisted Living?

In short, no. While traditional Medicare supports older adults’ medical needs, it does not apply to most assisted living expenses. Assisted living facilities help residents with everyday, nonmedical tasks, which Medicare typically does not include.

Medicare Part A insures people for hospital stays and up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility. Skilled nursing facilities provide 24-7, short-term nursing care. Because they deliver medical care, they are distinct from assisted living facilities, which offer custodial or daily life care.

Medicare Part B pays for medical fees for outpatient care, and Part D covers prescription drug costs. Most assisted living expenses do not fall under Medicare Part A, B, or D.

However, traditional Medicare may cover specific medical costs for people in assisted living. Expenses Medicare may cover include:

• Physical therapy
• Specific health services like changing sterile dressings
• Preventative health services like vaccinations
• Health care transportation

Does Medicare Advantage Pay for Assisted Living?

Private insurance companies that contract with traditional Medicare sell Medicare Advantage plans. Like original Medicare, these plans typically do not cover monthly assisted living bills.

Certain Medicare Advantage plans may offer supplemental home care benefits that help people continue living independently, albeit in their own homes rather than a designated facility.

The services available through select Medicare Advantage programs may include home modifications like wheelchair ramps and bathroom safety grab bars; in-home assistance with daily tasks; and transportation to the hospital and the pharmacy. Adult daycare is also available through some Medicare Advantage plans.

Seniors looking to live on their own might consider enrolling in a plan that includes services that support autonomy. Many programs are available, and the coverage that is open to you depends on where you live. The terms of Medicare Advantage plans vary. Review your plan options and speak with an attorney before deciding whether to enroll in a Medicare Advantage program.

Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living?

Unlike Medicare, Medicaid generally will pay for some of the costs of assisted living. Medicaid is a joint federal-state health insurance program for low-income people, including older adults. Although it does not cover room and board for assisted living, it may help pay for personal care services, on-site therapy services, and medication management.

Before deciding whether to move into an assisted living facility, speak to an elder law attorney near you. An attorney who understands Medicare and Medicaid can advocate for you and help you plan for your future.

A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) is one option a person may consider to protect their assets from Medicaid and nursing homes or long-term care.

A MAPT is an irrevocable trust created during your lifetime. The primary goal of a MAPT is to transfer assets to it so that Medicaid will not count these assets toward your resource limit when determining whether you qualify for Medicaid benefits.

However, creating an irrevocable trust comes with a certain lack of control over the assets you transfer to this trust. Before making such a significant decision, consider some pros and cons to see if this long-term care strategy is right for you.

Benefits of a MAPT

1. You Can Still Benefit From the Assets of a MAPT

Although transfers of assets to a MAPT cause you to relinquish your ownership and control of them, the finality of the arrangement is not as harsh as it sounds.

In creating a MAPT, you select a person (trustee) who manages the trust assets for your benefit. So, if you transfer investment accounts to the MAPT, you can still receive the income generated from these investments. If you transfer your home, you can still live there. In exchange for giving up control of your assets to a MAPT, your assets no longer count against you for Medicaid eligibility purposes.

2. Your Assets Are Safe From Medicaid and Other Long-Term Care Creditors

Once your assets are in a MAPT and other criteria are met, Medicaid can’t seize them or ask you to spend them down to pay for your nursing home or long-term care costs. These assets also are not subject to Medicaid’s estate recovery program.

As a result, your heirs can benefit from the assets without the interference of Medicaid or liens it could otherwise file against your estate after you pass.

3. You Can Choose Your Beneficiaries

A MAPT also functions as an estate planning tool. This is because you can designate who receives what remains of the trust upon your passing. The beneficiaries you choose will receive the assets per the terms of the trust agreement, and the chances of a probate court getting involved are diminished.

In addition, you may be able to retain what is called a “limited power of appointment.” This allows you to change who the beneficiaries of the MAPT will be, should your wishes or family circumstances change.

4. Assets Are Protected From Your Beneficiaries’ Creditors

Even though you can designate a MAPT’s beneficiaries now, those beneficiaries do not have full access to the trust’s assets because of how it is structured. This also means their creditors do not have access to it. And, if your child is a beneficiary and is going through a messy divorce, neither does their spouse. You can also designate how bequests to beneficiaries can be used.

5. Protection From Capital Gains Taxes

A properly drafted MAPT preserves the full capital gains tax exclusion on the primary residence (currently $250,000 per spouse). Later, when a person’s beneficiaries sell the home, it would be valued at the market price at the date of gifting and not at the original purchase price. This can avoid or significantly minimize the capital gains tax that your heirs may owe.

Drawbacks of MAPTS

1. Timing Is Everything

For a MAPT to function as intended, it needs to be created in advance to avoid the Medicaid lookback period. In most states, this is five years for nursing home or institutional care. In some states, there may also be a lookback period for community Medicaid care (home aides, local programs, etc.).

If less than five years have elapsed since you created your MAPT, you may still be responsible for some or all of your long-term care costs until sufficient time has passed.

2. Income From MAPT Is Countable by Medicaid

Although assets in a MAPT may not be “countable” by Medicaid toward your resource limit, these assets may still generate income. If this income is payable to you, it may cause you to exceed the income limit permitted in your state.

If this happens to you, you may have other options, such as utilizing a pooled income trust, or may decide you will contribute partially toward your care.

3. Giving Up Control Is Non-Negotiable

A trust will not qualify as a MAPT if you retain control other than the limited power of appointment that may be permitted in your situation. You must accept that a person you select to act as trustee will manage the trust, distribute funds and income from the trust, and also be the effective owner of the assets.

In addition, creating a MAPT but not transferring assets to it is ineffective. You need to fully commit to the concept for it to benefit you.

4. Setting Up a MAPT Is Costly

Creating and implementing a MAPT is a complex legal task requiring many hours of work and expenditures made on your behalf. In addition, because MAPTs are tied to individual state and federal laws, the expertise of a qualified Medicaid attorney is essential.

You should expect that this expertise comes at the cost of several thousand dollars or more. However, your potential savings could be exponentially greater for you and your family. For this reason, the price is often well worth it.

5. Potential Effects on Care

It’s important to realize that while the MAPT strategy is designed to preserve assets and wealth, it assumes that a person will rely on Medicaid to pay for a portion of their care. However, Medicaid does not cover all facilities. For example, many assisted living facilities are not licensed as assisted living programs and only accept private pay residents. Thus, relying on Medicaid could affect the choice and quality of care a person may receive.

The pros and cons discussed above are not exhaustive, and there may be other ones that apply to your situation. Investing in a MAPT is a highly fact-specific process, and MAPTs are not suitable for everyone.

You should speak with your attorney to discuss how a MAPT may affect other benefits you receive, your overall estate plan, its tax consequences, and whether it is right for you.

From plantar fasciitis to varicose veins, there are numerous bothersome ailments that can crop up and cause chronic foot or leg pain or related issues. For Medicare to cover the costs of addressing these types of health conditions, a physician typically must first deem such treatment medically necessary.

Here are three such diagnoses for which you may likely find some help in covering treatment costs through Medicare:

Does Medicare Cover Bunion Surgery?

A bunion is a painful bump that can form at the base of the big toe joint. When necessary, bunions can be removed surgically. There are several types of bunion surgery, with the average cost of this procedure running between roughly $3,000 and $12,000.

If your podiatrist finds this surgery medically necessary, Medicare Part B can help pay for 80 percent of the cost. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, this type of surgery may be covered to some extent as well. Keep in mind that Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) may offer its beneficiaries access only to certain health care providers.

If you have a Medicare Part D plan, your post-surgical prescription medications may be covered.

Is Treatment for Varicose Veins Covered?

Veins that swell and bulge, most often in the legs, can be uncomfortable and painful. They also may lead to circulation problems or other complications. Known as varicose veins, this condition affects tens of millions of adults.

Surgery or ablation therapy to remove varicose veins can total between $600 and $3,000. Less-invasive laser treatment may require more than one session, and so can cost up to $7,000. Other techniques to ease symptoms may also be available.

If your doctor orders that medical treatment is necessary — often only after you have already tried other, more conservative approaches to managing the condition — Medicare Part B will generally pay 80 percent of the related cost if your deductible is met. The facility where you receive treatment must qualify for Medicare coverage. You may also need to cover the cost of any medications or copays. Certain Medicare Advantage plans may also cover some of this treatment.

Removing varicose veins for cosmetic reasons will not be covered by Medicare.

Does Medicare Cover Orthotics?

Orthotics may include prostheses; a brace for your ankle, knee, or foot; or custom-fitted shoes or inserts for individuals with certain health conditions.

When deemed medically necessary by a podiatrist enrolled in Medicare, orthotics are considered durable medical equipment, for which Medicare Part B usually will cover 80 percent of the approved cost. Typically, the supplier from which you buy the orthotics must participate in Medicare as well.

Certain Medicare Advantage plans may also provide partial coverage of orthotics; be sure to check with your provider.

Learn more about Medicare on the ElderLawAnswers.com website.

No one wants to think about our death or the death of a loved one. The reality is that death is inevitable, so preparing for end-of-life decisions is essential. Over the past few years, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all been reminded about life’s fragility.

When you are faced with addressing end-of-life care, knowing where to turn for the answers your family needs can be overwhelming. For guidance in getting started, continue reading.

Hospice Care

Hospice care is medical treatment for patients close to the end of their lives. Their conditions are unlikely to improve. Hospice care focuses on patient comfort and family support.

If you choose to place a family member in hospice care, you will have a team of medical professionals surrounding you during a difficult time. Examples of the care your loved one may receive include medications to reduce pain, periodic visits to the patient by a care team, and respite for family members and caretakers.

To learn more about the availability of hospice care and how to get connected to resources in your area, visit the Hospice Foundation of America online.

End-of-Life Planning

In addition to making your loved one as comfortable as possible, ensure their legal interests are protected, too. If you have a loved one with a terminal illness, it may be wise to have them complete estate planning documents if they have not already done so.

For guidance in drafting these important legal documents, consult with a qualified attorney in your area.

Last Will and Testament

This document aims to set up how your affairs will be handled after your death. A loved one diagnosed with a terminal disease or who is elderly should have a valid last will and testament to help family who is left behind to avoid the stress of dividing their deceased loved one’s assets and property.

Living Will

A living will, also known as an advance directive, is a document that directs your family about your health care before you lose the capacity to make your own decisions.

The purpose of a living will is to include your choices regarding emergency care and life-saving medical treatment. Having a living will helps your family avoid the stress and guilt associated with making end-of-life decisions regarding medical care.

Grief Support Groups

It is as essential to take care of yourself as it is to take care of your loved one as their life ends. You may feel alone during this time of grief. Build a support network around yourself to aid in navigating the grieving process. If you have family members to lean on, take advantage of that.

It is possible to find support groups filled with people who understand your situation if you don’t have family or close friends. If you are looking for a place to start, visit findhelp.org. You can search for bereavement groups, counseling services, and workshops that fit your needs in your area.

Whether you are looking for a group that understands the loss of a parent or spouse, a veterans’ group, or any other unique group of people, know that you are not alone.

For the first time in more than 10 years, Medicare Part B enrollees will see some of their costs decline. In an announcement issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency outlined changes to the premium, deductible, and co-payment amounts for numerous Medicare costs taking effect in 2023.

• Medicare Part B basic monthly premium = $164.90 = Savings of about $62 for the year
   
• Medicare Part B annual deductible = $226 = Savings of $84 for the year
   
• Other amounts, meanwhile, will rise slightly in 2023:
   
  • Medicare Part A deductible = $1,600 (up from $1,556)
  • Co-payment for hospital stay, days 61 to 90 = $400 per day (up from $389)  
  • Co-payment for hospital stay, days 91 and beyond = $800 per day (up from $778)
  • Co-payment for skilled nursing facility, days 21 to 100 = $200 per day (up from $194.50)

Note that beneficiaries with higher incomes pay higher monthly premiums. For further details, read the news release from CMS.

If you wish to make changes your coverage, Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period will take place October 15 through December 7. Learn more about Medicare.

A diagnosis of dementia, a category of diseases affecting memory and thinking that includes Alzheimer’s disease, can feel overwhelming and upsetting. You might worry that you will lose control over your life and ability to make your own decisions. Fortunately, receiving a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s does not mean that you cannot execute legal documents or make decisions about plans for your future finances and health care.

People with dementia can execute legal documents to plan for their futures when they have the mental state — or capacity — to do so. Capacity refers to your ability to understand the contents of a legal document, such as a will, and know the consequences of executing it. If you know who your family is, understand your assets, and comprehend your will, you can execute a valid will and plan for the distribution of your estate after your death, provided you understand what you are signing and its effect on your life.

The following can help you in planning where you wish to live, what kind of care you receive, and what happens to your assets if you get severely ill or pass away.

Health Care Power of Attorney

Consider appointing a health care agent to make medical decisions if you become incapacitated. You can name a health care agent using a health care power of attorney, sometimes called a medical power of attorney or a durable power of attorney for health care. Your health care agent can make medical choices if you can no longer do so.

Picking someone you trust, such as a responsible child or spouse, or another family member, can give you peace of mind that they will have your best interests and desires in mind when they make decisions. For instance, dementia patients who prefer receiving in-home care can express this wish to their agent.

In the power of attorney document, you can also state your intentions regarding health care and limit your agent’s capabilities if you wish.

Living Will

For an added layer of protection, you can also draft an advance directive or living will that states your desires regarding medical treatment if you are unable to communicate with your physician. Your living will can express whether you want treatment to prolong your life.

Financial Power of Attorney

Using a financial power of attorney, known as a power of attorney for property, you can select a trusted individual to handle your financial affairs if your disease progresses such that you can no longer make financial decisions. Your financial agent can manage your money and pay bills on your behalf, but they cannot use your money for themselves.

In the power of attorney for property document, you can restrict your agent’s powers. For instance, a person might specify that the agent can manage personal accounts, but not sell the family home.

Long-Term Care Planning

After a dementia diagnosis, consider whether you would like to receive long-term care at home or in a facility, and whether you intend to apply for Medicaid or long-term care insurance. If you want to apply for Medicaid, you might need to prepare your finances to become eligible.

Last Will and Testament

Making a last will and testament, also known as a will, can help ensure your assets go to your family and friends when you pass away. You can determine how much of your money each beneficiary will receive and make bequests to individuals. For example, if you have items of sentimental value, you can leave them to specific people. Without a will, your assets will transfer to your heirs according to the law in your state.

Consider meeting with an elder law attorney in your area to discuss your plans for your future.

For additional support and to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, reach out to your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.