News
Understanding New Jersey Medicare Supplement Plans
Navigating healthcare options as a senior can be complex, especially when considering the costs not covered by Medicare alone. New Jersey Medicare Supplement Plans, commonly known as Medigap, provide essential coverage to fill the gaps left by traditional Medicare. There are a variety of Medigap plans available in New Jersey, which we touch on below to help seniors make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. What are New Jersey Medicare Supplement Plans? New Jersey Medicare Supplement Plans are insurance policies designed to cover expenses like deductibles, medical copays, and coinsurance that Medicare Parts A and B unfortunately do not cover. [...]
Understanding Pennsylvania Medicare Supplement Plans
As seniors consider their healthcare options, it is important to keep in mind the coverage gaps left by Medicare. Pennsylvania Medicare Supplement Plans, which are also known as Medigap, offer an essential solution to fill these gaps, providing coverage for expenses not covered by traditional Medicare. This blog provides an overview of the Medigap plans available in Pennsylvania, helping seniors choose the best option for additional coverage. What Are Pennsylvania Medicare Supplement Plans? Pennsylvania Medicare Supplement Plans are private health insurance policies designed to supplement original Medicare (Parts A and B). These plans help cover some of the healthcare costs [...]
Jerry Rothkoff Receives the Artz Philadelphia Community Catalyst Award
On November 21, 2024, Jerry Rothkoff was honored to receive the Artz Philadelphia Community Catalyst Award in recognition of his service to the Artz Philadelphia Board and the Philadelphia area community to help enhance the lives of those living with dementia and their care partners. The Community Catalyst Award recognizes remarkable dedication to building community through the arts; generosity of spirit and action; and work towards a world in which creative community brings people together in mutual respect and understanding. Excerpts from Jerry’s award acceptance remarks on November 21, 2024, are included below. For more information, please visit Artz Philadelphia. "I want [...]
What is the 5-Year Medicaid Lookback Period?
The 5-Year Medicaid Lookback Period is a specific provision that is often confusing, but it plays a vital role in determining Medicaid eligibility. Understanding the 5-Year Medicaid Lookback Period The 5-Year Medicaid Lookback Period refers to a five-year timeframe during which Medicaid reviews all financial transactions, asset transfers, and gifts made by an applicant. This period is designed to prevent people from giving away or transferring assets at less than fair market value to qualify for Medicaid benefits. If an applicant has made such transactions within the five-year window prior to applying for Medicaid, penalties may be imposed, potentially delaying [...]
7 Simple Holiday Wellness Tips for Seniors
The winter holidays are filled with an abundance of family, food, and celebrations. While it is a season associated with joy and cheer, it’s also a time of year when seniors need to be extra mindful about their well-being. Colder temperatures increase the risk of illnesses, large gatherings can be overwhelming, daily routines may be disrupted, and unfamiliar environments can lead to falls. The good news is that many of these situations can be avoided with simple steps and planning ahead. Here are 7 simple holiday wellness tips for seniors to stay healthy and enjoy the season. Stay Active For [...]
Understanding Your Rights in New Jersey Nursing Homes
When choosing the right care for an aging family member, the decision can be emotional and overwhelming. One aspect of this process is understanding the rights in New Jersey nursing homes that you and your loved one have as a resident. These rights are enshrined in law to ensure that residents receive the quality of care, respect, privacy, and dignity they deserve. This guide to the rights in New Jersey nursing homes will navigate you through various aspects, empowering you to make well-informed decisions for yourself or a loved one. Quality of Care The foremost priority in any nursing home [...]
Your Guide to End-of-Life Planning During a Terminal Illness
End-of-life planning is extremely important for people with terminal illnesses. It offers a structured way to manage the final stages of life, ensuring your wishes are respected and your family is spared from making tough decisions. Filling out advance directives lets you share your medical preferences, making sure your care matches your values. Having plans in place brings emotional relief, allowing you to focus on quality time with loved ones and keep dignity throughout the process. This compassionate step offers clarity and peace during a challenging time. This blog is here to help you and your loved ones understand the [...]
7th Annual Rothkoff Law Elder Care Symposium Update
The 7th Annual Rothkoff Elder Care Symposium was held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Live Casino Hotel in Philadelphia. Over 250 attendees, along with more than 30 exhibitors and speakers, spent a full day learning and sharing ideas on how to improve the services offered to older adults. We thank all the sponsors, exhibitors, attendees, and speakers for making such a great day possible. We want to share the Symposium's opening remarks by Jerry Rothkoff with you. A full recap of the Symposium will be forthcoming. Jerry Rothkoff’s opening Symposium remarks: "Thank you all for taking the time to [...]
How to Interpret Your Long-Term Care Policy and Address Common Shortcomings
Long-term care (LTC) insurance is a vital tool in planning for future healthcare needs, particularly as we age. However, once you have your policy in hand, understanding its provisions and how to utilize them can be complex. This guide will walk you through the key aspects of interpreting your LTC policy and address frequently encountered issues families face when attempting to use these benefits. Understanding Your Long-Term Care Policy Review the Basics: Coverage, Benefits, and Triggers Your LTC policy outlines specific conditions under which it will begin to pay benefits. These conditions, often called "benefit triggers," typically include the inability [...]
Understanding Your Rights in Pennsylvania Nursing Homes
The search for appropriate long-term care for yourself or a loved one can be fraught with concerns and questions. Among the most important aspects to understand are the rights in Pennsylvania nursing homes. Knowing these rights ensures that residents receive the quality of care, dignity, privacy, and respect they deserve. This piece aims to guide you through understanding the rights in Pennsylvania nursing homes, helping you make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being and security of those you care about. Quality of Care Residents of nursing homes in Pennsylvania have the right to receive appropriate and consistent medical care, nourishment, [...]
The Importance of a Power of Attorney in Health Care Decisions
Understanding the importance of a Power of Attorney (POA), how it works, and why it's a critical component of elder care planning is essential for anyone looking to secure their health care wishes and relieve the burden on their loved ones during difficult times. What is a Power of Attorney? A Power of Attorney is a legal document that grants authority to an appointed person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the grantor, should they become incapacitated or unable to make decisions for themselves. This includes decisions on medical treatments, surgical procedures, artificial nutrition, and other health care measures. [...]
Pets in Elder Care Planning: Ensuring Your Furry Friends Are Cared For
As we age, planning for the future becomes increasingly important, not just for ourselves but also for the beloved pets that enrich our lives. Considering your pets in elder care planning is an aspect of estate and future care planning that often goes overlooked. By incorporating strategies for including pets in elder care planning, pet owners can ensure their furry friends are well cared for in the event of the owner's incapacity or death. This blog explores practical steps and considerations for such planning, offering peace of mind to pet owners and ensuring the well-being of their pets. The Importance [...]
Jerry Rothkoff to be Honored at the Artz Philadelphia Gala
We are proud to announce our own Jerry Rothkoff will be the honoree at the Artz Philadelphia Gala on the evening of November 21, 2024, in Center City Philadelphia, for his dedication as a long-standing board member and his years of dedication to Artz Philly's shared vision of joy and connection. Stephanie Stahl, award-winning health reporter for CBS Philadelphia, will be joining us as emcee for the Gala evening on November 21. Artz Philadelphia is a non-profit offering complimentary programs for those living with dementia and their care partners. It is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and well-being [...]
Elder Law and Estate Taxes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Elder law and estate taxes are critical areas of financial planning that significantly impact seniors and their heirs in New Jersey (NJ) and Pennsylvania (PA). As individuals age, developing strategies that secure their future and ensure that their legacy is passed on to their heirs with minimal tax implications becomes imperative. This blog explores how elder law strategies can impact estate taxes in PA and NJ, offering valuable tips for minimizing tax liabilities for seniors and their heirs. Understanding Elder Law and Estate Taxes Elder law encompasses a range of legal matters affecting older adults, including guardianships, wills, trusts, estate [...]
Asset Protection for Seniors in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, seniors face the challenge of safeguarding their assets against the rising costs of long-term care, legal liabilities, and other potential financial risks. Asset protection for seniors in Pennsylvania ensures the preservation and security of a lifetime's worth of savings and investments. Here, we look at Pennsylvania's effective strategies and legal mechanisms to help seniors protect their assets and secure their financial legacy. The Importance of Asset Protection for Seniors in Pennsylvania With rising healthcare costs and the increasing likelihood of requiring long-term care services, asset protection for seniors in Pennsylvania has never been more important. Without a solid [...]
