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Your Social Security Benefits for 2025: COLA Update
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially released its annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) figures for 2025. These newly issued numbers will have an impact on monthly Social Security benefits payouts for retirees, as well as recipients of Social Security disability benefits and survivor benefits, over the forthcoming year. The COLA Change
How to Keep Unsafe Elderly Drivers Safe in Arizona
Driving is a symbol of independence and a deeply-engrained way of life for most adults. Unfortunately, old age may sometimes cause their driving skills to become worse, as their vision, hearing, alertness, reaction time, or decision-making abilities diminish. For their own safety and that of those around them, they may
What to Do If Your ALTCS Application Is Denied
If you apply for long-term care assistance through Medicaid [ALTCS in Arizona] and your application is denied, it may feel hopeless. The good news is that you can appeal the decision. Medicaid is a program for low-income individuals, so it has strict income and asset eligibility requirements. Qualifying for ALTCS requires
After a Dementia Diagnosis: Preparing for the Future
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
Should I update my estate plan from another state if I moved to Arizona?
Maybe. Although Arizona will generally recognize a will, trust, or powers of attorney validly executed in another state, there may be legal or practical considerations to ensure the most favorable outcome. For instance, a client complained that a hospital rejected his parent’s power of attorney for health care decisions. If
What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
Dementia is a general term that refers to severe memory loss and problems with thinking, behavior, and social skills that interfere with daily life. According to the National Institutes of Health, this neurological condition affects one in seven adults over age 71. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia and
What to Do If Your Medicaid/ALTCS Application Is Denied
If you apply for long-term care assistance through Medicaid [ALTCS in Arizona] and your application is denied, it may feel hopeless. The good news is that you can appeal the decision. Medicaid is a program for low-income individuals, so it has strict income and asset eligibility requirements. Qualifying for ALTCS
Professional Trustee: Corporate vs. Licensed Fiduciary?
Should you appoint a professional to handle your trust or estate? A crucial part of estate planning is selecting the right individual to make decisions for you when you are unable to, whether due to your death or incapacity. This may be under your trust, will or powers of attorney
ALTCS’ “Snapshot” Date and Its Crucial Impact on a Couple’s Financial Picture
When a married couple applies for Medicaid (also known as Arizona Long Term Care System or ALTCS in Arizona), the ALTCS must analyze the couple’s income and assets as of a particular date to determine eligibility. The date that the agency chooses for this analysis is called the “snapshot” date
Guardianship: When Can Someone Be Declared Legally Incapacitated?
If a loved one is experiencing memory loss or suddenly making poor decisions, you may want the court to appoint a guardian, which requires a declaration of incapacity. Determining whether someone is incapacitated to make their own decisions is a complicated process. What is a Guardian? If a loved one
