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Incapacitated, Alone and Treated to Death
By JOSEPH SACCO, M.D Published: October 6, 2008
Mr. Green lay in the bed next to the window, 15 floors above the Cross-Bronx Expressway. Fifty-nine years old and suffering from AIDS-related dementia, he was bedbound, permanently tethered to a ventilator and, though conscious, unaware of his medical condition. In medico-legal parlance, he was incapacitated: unable to understand the consequences of his decisions and unable to direct the doctors caring for him.
The view from his bedside was impressive - a thousand acres of worn, low-slung apartment buildings set off by the massed arc of Manhattan, rising from the distance like the Emerald City.
That no friend or family member would ever share this view was another of his mounting misfortunes. Referred to the hospital from a nursing home for fever and weight loss - he was so thin that the skin of his chest would not even hold EKG leads - he had no identified relatives or friends. His personal history had vanished into the maze of health care facilities that had been his home for more than a year. Other than name, Social Security number and date of birth, his life story had disappeared. Read on... |
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CMS ANNOUNCES MEDICARE PREMIUMS, DEDUCTIBLES FOR 2009
Friday, September 19, 2008
Contact: CMS Office of Public Affairs
202-690-6145
The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $96.40 in 2009, the same as the Part B premium for 2008. This is the first year since 2000 that there was no increase in the standard premium over the prior year.
The 2009 Part B premium of $96.40 is the same as the amount projected in the 2008 Medicare Trustees Report issued in March. This monthly premium paid by beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part B covers a portion of the cost of physicians' services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and other items.
By law, the standard premium is set to cover approximately one-fourth of the average cost of Part B services incurred by beneficiaries aged 65 and over. The remaining Part B costs are financed by Federal general revenues. The income to the program from premiums and general revenues are paid into the Part B account of the Supplementary Medical Insurance trust fund, and Part B expenditures are drawn from this account.
Normally, the Part B premium increases at the same rate as average Part B expenditures from year to year. A number of factors explain why the premium can be kept level for 2009.
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American Bar Association Begins Educational Campaign on
Uniform Adult Guardianship Jurisdiction
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 10, 2008 -
The American Bar Association has launched a new project targeting the tough and rapidly growing problems of multi-state adult guardianship cases.
In adult guardianship, state courts give one person or entity the duty and power to make personal and/or property decisions for another person who is determined to be incapacitated. Our increasingly mobile society creates complex jurisdictional issues concerning which state should have jurisdiction, how to transfer a guardianship to another state and whether a guardianship in one state will be recognized by another. For example, what happens when an incapacitated person owns property in multiple states? Or when family members, who may need to care for that person, are spread across the country? Which state's laws govern the situation? When conflict occurs, it often means a cumbersome and expensive loss of time and resources for family members, courts and lawyers. Additionally, lack of clear rules of jurisdiction can foster "granny snatching" and other abusive actions.
Because of the myriad problems arising from multi-state guardianship cases, in 2007 the Uniform Law Commission approved the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act to provide a roadmap for addressing dilemmas in such cases. But the act cannot work until most states adopt it.
In order to accelerate understanding of the issues and the act, the ABA Commission on Law and Aging has undertaken a campaign to: Develop a Web-based clearinghouse with information on the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protect Proceedings Jurisdiction Act; Conduct a national Webcast to inform relevant parties about the act; Prepare and distribute additional educational materials.
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Get Help to Tackle Paperwork:
A daily money manager will pay bills, sort through mail and file insurance claims.
By Laura Cohn, Contributing Writer, Kiplinger's Retirement Report July 23, 2008
Marguerite Holloway can't say enough about the daily money manager she hired for her mother two years ago. Back then, the financial affairs of Holloway's mother, now 72, were in disarray. She had a mountain of papers, several certificates of deposit and an endless stream of unpaid bills. She also had bond certificates hidden under a rug.
So Holloway decided to look into hiring a daily money manager, who sets up a system to pay the bills, organize the finances and get estate planning under control. She found Rebecca Eddy, a partner at Eddy & Schein In-Home Administrators for Seniors (www.eddyandschein.com), in New York City. Eddy visited the Manhattan home of Holloway's mother for a consultation. After deciding she felt comfortable with Eddy, Holloway gave Eddy the green light.
In addition to organizing documents, Eddy automated some of the bills, consolidated the CDs and recommended a lawyer to set up a trust. "The room full of papers is gone, replaced by two file boxes," says Holloway, 44, an assistant professor at Columbia University. "It was extraordinary."
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When Your Parents' Money Is Your Problem
By Elaine Appleton Grant, November & December 2008
Don Quinn,* 45, was flabbergasted to discover late in 2005 that his father, a former bankruptcy judge, was in serious financial trouble. Diabetic and seriously ill, George Quinn had given responsibility for his money to his wife of 30 years, Don's stepmother, Nora. That seemed wise, since she was a former accountant. But then a fast-growing brain tumor destroyed her impulse control, and in a year's time she racked up close to $200,000 in credit card debt, from gambling and loans to her son from a previous marriage. Only after Nora had emergency surgery to remove the tumor did she call Don in a panic. Don and his father had never talked about money. "Not even slightly," Don says. "I was in complete and utter shock."
Don went from having no involvement in his parents' financial affairs to having to be responsible for them completely. Nora and George, who was of sound mind but had no inkling of his wife's spending, willingly signed powers of attorney to Don, and the younger Quinn began negotiating with their creditors, with help from an accountant and a lawyer. He also drew down his own savings account "to a minimal balance" so he could lend his parents $15,000. To give them more cash and to keep them from driving-Don considered letting either of them behind the wheel unsafe-he took out an $8,000 loan from a credit union to buy his father's car. He used a credit card to help pay his parents' moving expenses after they sold their house and moved to assisted living. "There was a lot of float involved," he says.
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How to save $8,919.45 a year!
In tough times, consumers are looking to stretch their dollars further. CNNMoney.com
Here are six simple ways to save thousands
1. Strategic shopping Potential annual savings: $5,200
Stephanie Nelson, founder of couponmom.com, a site that tracks deals at your local grocery store, says that shoppers can save an average of $50 to $100 a week on their groceries if they spend about 30 minutes once a week planning out their supermarket trip.
2. Skip Starbucks Potential annual savings: $2,425
David Bach, the author of Go Green, Live Rich, contends that it is easy to save a few thousand dollars a year and cut down on waste simply by eliminating that morning coffee and a muffin. That's what he calls the "latte factor," and you'd be surprised how quickly that $5 breakfast-on-the-go every morning adds up.
3. Upgrade your appliances Potential annual savings: $150
To really impact your bottom line, consider upgrading an old appliance like a refrigerator or dishwasher. Newer energy efficient appliances can save $50 to $150 a year in energy costs, according to Energy Star.
4. Go generic Potential annual savings: $161.20
Generic brands of food and drugs can cost 20% to 50% less than the name brand and you're not likely to tell the difference. "Don't be afraid to try a cheaper brand," advises ShopSmart deputy editor Sue Perry.
5. Pay an extra $1 on your credit cards Potential annual savings: $203.25
For example, if you typically pay $100 a month on a $5,000 balance with a 14% APR, try upping that payment by just a dollar a day. By paying an extra $30 a month, you'll pay off your balance in 52 months rather than 76 months, or cut your payments by two years. And you'll save $874 in interest payments over that time.
6. Sitter sharing Potential annual savings: $780
Sheila Lirio Marcelo, CEO of Care.com, which helps families find local caregivers, suggests teaming up with neighboring parents to share one babysitter
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"Working with someone you can trust!"
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Testimonials |
| * Please note: the views or opinions expressed in the included news articles are not necessarily those held by BPS, Inc. We do not personally endorse or guarantee any service providers or agencies that are featured in our publication. | |
Thank you for your continued support and referrals. We appreciate what each and every one of you do to contribute to the community in which we live.
Sincerely,
Courtney L. Smith, RG, PDMM
Benefit Payee Services, Inc.
Colorado: Indiana:
PO Box 101775 PO Box 9
Denver, CO 80250 New Albany, IN 47151
Phone: 303-282-8882 Phone: 812-944-4200
Fax: 866-339-1918 Fax: 866-339-1918
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Courtney's Corner...
Courtney L. Smith, RG, PDMM
As I began my search this month for news articles regarding the Fiduciary industry, I became frustrated that all I could find were negative articles from the Media.
Being in this line of work, I know that abuse and exploitation occur. I deal with it everyday. I often talk about that fact that the majority of exploitation occurs by someone in a position of trust. For example: friends, family & neighbors. I also know, especially through the abundant amount of press from the Media that financial abuse can also occur by other professional fiduciaries, attorneys and even Judges.
I understand and agree that we need to report abuse of all kind, even abuse that may occur from our peers. But, with the bad, should also come the good. I get to experience every day the great work that is occurring in people's lives from other professionals, myself and my peers.
I have seen the miracles and the increased quality of life that my peers have added to the lives of the people they serve. Why are these stories not told or shared with the community? Why should the only stories that get media attention are the horror stories?
My challenge for the readers of my newsletter is that if you have a success story, please share it. Feel free to send it to me and I will do my little part in trying to educate people that there are people and other professionals who do good things for the community they serve. I will also commit to sharing the negative articles too. But, I choose to believe that there are more good stories than bad.
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Daily Money Management
Bill Paying & Bookkeeping
Conservatorship
Financial Power of Attorney
Trust Administration
Personal Representative/Executor of Will
Representative Payee
Organization of Tax Information
Assist with applying for government benefits
Financial Oversight and Auditing |
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Locate and Inventory Assets
More Information on Our Services |
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The Spotlight:
(Highlighting Local Resources)
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Our Mission
Seniors' Resource Center works in partnership with older persons and the community to provide centralized and coordinated service, information, education and leadership helping to assist seniors in maximizing their independence and personal dignity.
Our Vision
Seniors' Resource Center is dedicated to improving the quality of seniors' lives. Broad-based community education and public awareness, coupled with strong leadership in the business and political communities, will continue to be vital components of the center's effort to develop a citizenry that values its older citizens, understands their interests and meets their needs.
Our clients range in age from 11 to 101, and come from every walk of life.
Services provided:
Transportation
Adult Day Program
Care Management
In-Home Care
Job Training Services
www.srcaging.org |
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Did you know?
Did you know that Benefit Payee Services, Inc has been an accredited business of the Better Business Bureau since January 2005?
We are proud to announce that after 3 years of being a member, we have an A rating with the BBB.
BBB Code of Business Practices
Build TrustEstablish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace.
Advertise HonestlyAdhere to established standards of advertising and selling.
Tell the Truth
Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms.
Be Transparent
Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees and procedures that bear on a customer's decision to buy.
Honor Promises
Abide by all written and verbal agreements.Be Responsive
Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in good faith.
Safeguard Privacy
Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of consumers regarding the use of their information.
Embody Integrity
Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions and commitments with integrity.
When referring to a Professional Fiduciary its in your best interest to make sure they are an accredited business of the BBB in order to ensure your clients are getting the very best service and ethical standards.
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Improving your credit score
Gerri Willis explains how to improve your credit score as lenders boost requirements for obtaining a loan.
By Gerri Willis, CNN October 20, 2008: 12:36 PM ET
Here are some changes and strategies on how to improve your score.
1. Know the challenges
The landscape is changing. Banks are getting pickier about who they are lending to.
Consider this: Two years ago, to get the best loan terms, you would need a FICO score of 720 to 750. But today you'll need a score of 750 to 780 to get the best terms.
2. Increase your score
Here's what a person with a credit score above 750 looks like:
Generally, he/she will have a long history of making payments on time. This person will also have a mix of credit - from a mortgage to a student loan to a credit card. He/she won't spend more than 10% of their credit limit. There will be no retail store credit cards in his/her wallet.
If perhaps you don't fit this image, here are some things to look at if you want to improve your score:
Payment history: Payment history is 35% of your credit score. Credit mix: You need to handle several types of credit successfully to get the very best scores. Credit cards are part of the picture, but certainly not the only thing.
Application for credit: People who have credit scores in the 760-780 range aren't applying in the department store for a credit card. In fact, they aren't applying for anything.
3. Watch those limits -More and more credit card issuers are cutting your credit limit - in fact, 62% have cut back the lines of credit they make available to consumers - that's according to a report out this year by Javelin Strategy & Research. Read Full Article | |
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