Our Blog
Welcome to the blog of R. F. Meyer & Associates, where we share company news and informative articles related to our Elder Law, Probate and Estate Planning legal practice.
Be careful about putting only one spouse’s name on a reverse mortgage
A recent case involving basketball star Caldwell Jones demonstrates the danger in having only one spouse's name on a reverse mortgage. A federal appeals court has ruled that an insurance company may foreclose on a reverse mortgage after the death of the borrower, Mr....
2019 will bring Social Security beneficiaries biggest increase in eight years
The Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8 percent increase in benefits in 2019, the largest increase since 2012. The change will put an additional $468 anually in the pocket of the average retired beneficiary. Cost of living increases are tied to the...
It’s Open Enrollment Season: Is Your Medicare Plan Still Working For You?
Do you have the right Medicare plan? It is fall, which means it is time to think about whether your current plan is still giving you the best coverage or whether a new plan could save you money or offer better coverage. Medicare's Open Enrollment Period, during which...
November 2018 Newsletter released
This morning, we released a new edition of the R. F. Meyer & Associates Newsletter. I think our November edition stories are interesting and informative, covering topics that are all of good value. They include: Open Enrollment Season for Medicare: Even...
It’s Important to Shop Around for Your Medigap Policy
Medigap premiums can vary widely depending on the insurance company, according to a new study, so be sure to shop around before choosing a policy. When you first become eligible for Medicare, you may purchase a Medigap policy from a private insurer to supplement...
How to Handle Sibling Disputes Over a Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning documents, but when one sibling is named in a power of attorney, there is the potential for disputes with other siblings. No matter which side you are on, it is important to know your rights and...
Can I Give My Kids $15,000 a Year?
If you have it to give, you certainly can, but there may be consequences should you apply for Medicaid long-term care coverage within five years after each gift. The $15,000 figure is the amount of the current gift tax exclusion (for 2018), meaning that any person who...
It’s Now Harder for Veterans to Qualify for Long-Term Care Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has finalized new rules that make it more difficult to qualify for long-term care benefits. The rules establish an asset limit, a look-back period, and asset transfer penalties for claimants applying for VA pension benefits that...
October Newsletter released
Today we issued out October 2018 edition of the R. F. Meyer & Associates Newsletter. We’ve included some great articles this month. They will give you information and tips about: Shopping around for Medigap policies; Prices vary widely, so do your homework to save...