Elder Law News

A controversial policy that reduces the benefits of military spouses is on the way out. The so-called “widow’s tax” cuts assistance to surviving military spouses who qualify for benefits under two different military benefit programs.

Litigation over James Brown’s estate has been dragging on for 14 years, but the case took a big step towards resolution when the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that the woman claiming a spousal share in Mr. Brown’s estate was never legally married to him. 

Illegal evictions of Medicaid nursing home residents are nothing new, but the coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating the problem, according to an investigation by the New York Times.

Raising the minimum wage by as little as 10 percent would significantly improve the safety and health of nursing home residents, according to new research.

Medigap policies that supplement Medicare’s basic coverage can cost vastly different amounts, depending on the company selling the policy, according to a new study. The findings highlight the importance of shopping around before purchasing a policy. 

With older Americans being most at risk from the COVID-19 coronavirus, the response to the pandemic is highlighting issues of ageism in the United States. According to experts, ageism is evident both in the response to the virus and the lack of protective equipment allocated to nursing homes.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on those in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. This has raised questions about how the virus has influenced the costs and provision of long-term care insurance. 

The coronavirus pandemic has spread like wildfire though long-term care facilities. In response, many states have moved to shield nursing homes from lawsuits related to the care they are providing during the pandemic. 

Not everyone will get the relief payment the federal government is sending out in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Among those left out include seniors and adults with special needs who are claimed as dependents. 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning residents of long-term care facilities and their families that some facilities may unlawfully require residents who are on Medicaid to sign over their $1,200 pandemic relief checks.