Medicaid Update
In prior issues of this newsletter, we have been keeping you up-to-date on the process, in Illinois, to implement the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA), which will modify the Medicaid program.
The new Illinois Medicaid regulations became effective January 1, 2012. However, as of the time of the writing of this article, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has not yet updated its Policy Operations Manual or Workers Action Guide, which the DHFS caseworkers rely on in their daily work, nor has it released any new applications or other forms. Department caseworkers in Cook County report that they have received no information on the implementation of the new regulations, and that they are currently processing new applications under the old rules.
Please continue to read our newsletter and check the website for updates.on this very important topic. |
|
Medicare Beneficiaries: Make Sure Your Equipment Supplier Works With Medicare
In October, Medicare beneficiary David P. (not his real name), was shocked to see a charge of more than $1,000 on his credit  card statement. The charge was for the complete cost of renting a machine he needed to help him recover from knee replacement surgery. The equipment is covered by Medicare, so Mr. P. thought he would be responsible only for his 20 percent co-payment.
Read the entire article. |
|
When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
Once you've created an estate plan, it is important to keep it up-to-date. You will need to revisit your plan after certain key life events.
|
|
A Letter of Instruction Can Spare Your Heirs Great Stress
While it is important to have an updated estate plan, there is a lot of information that your heirs should know that doesn't  necessarily fit into a will, trust or other components of an estate plan. The solution is a letter of instruction, which can provide your heirs with guidance if you die or become incapacitated.
Read the article. |
|
Social Security's Benefits for Spouses
Social Security doesn't just pay retirement benefits to retired wor kers; in some circumstances, it also provides benefits to a worker's spouse or ex-spouse and to a deceased worker's surviving spouse. Here are the ins and outs of spouse and survivor benefits.
Read the article. |
