HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is a federal law that was enacted in 1996 to protect the privacy of individuals’ health information. HIPAA applies to all health care providers, insurance companies, and other entities that handle personal health information. The law sets standards for how this information can be used and disclosed, as well as requiring safeguards to protect it from unauthorized access. Senior Citizens HIPAA is especially important for seniors … [Read more...] about What Is HIPAA and Why Should I Care?
powers of attorney
The Basics: “HIPAA” Powers
This is the second in a three-part series of articles on Powers of Attorney. The first article examined the Financial Power of Attorney. This second article examines the Healthcare Power of Attorney and Advance Directive. Read on to learn more … [Read more...] about The Basics: “HIPAA” Powers
The Basics: Financial Power of Attorney
Powers of Attorney are part of even the simplest estate plan. A Power of Attorney allows your Agent to act for you. There are Powers of Attorney for financial matters and also those for health care. Read on to learn more … [Read more...] about The Basics: Financial Power of Attorney
Planning for the Sandwich Generation
The Sandwich Generation is torn between caretaking responsibilities for their minor children and their elderly parents. But first, they need to make sure they take care of themselves. Read on to learn more. Planning for the Sandwich Generation … [Read more...] about Planning for the Sandwich Generation
You Never Know: Planning for the Unexpected
This article examines the deaths of two people who died from doing very typical things. You never know what risks might be around the corner, even in seemingly safe endeavors, so you should be prepared. The article looks at the elements of a basic plan. You Never Know: Planning for the Unexpected … [Read more...] about You Never Know: Planning for the Unexpected
Incapacity Planning
Nobody wants incapacity, not for yourself and not for your loved ones. But planning for that possibility can avoid complications and increase options. The article discusses the elements of incapacity planning and the need for flexibility to do Medicaid planning. It discusses how a trust with Medicaid triggers can allow that. Incapacity Planning … [Read more...] about Incapacity Planning
Planning for the Unexpected
This article examines the death of Charlotte Fox, one of the most famous mount climbers ever, who fell down her stairs at home. You never know what risks might be around the corner, so you should be prepared. The article looks at the elements of a basic plan. Planning for the Unexpected … [Read more...] about Planning for the Unexpected
When Does a Power of Attorney Become Effective?
A power of attorney is a legally binding device that is used to appoint someone else to act on your behalf. When you grant a power of attorney you are called the principal or grantor. The individual that you choose to act on your behalf is called the agent or attorney-in-fact. When you create a power of attorney, it is typically going to go into effect right away unless you stipulate otherwise. Durable Power of Attorney In the field of estate planning, durable powers of attorney are utilized … [Read more...] about When Does a Power of Attorney Become Effective?
Who Can Act as an Agent Under a Power of Attorney?
When you are planning ahead for the future you have to consider the eventualities of aging. As a senior citizen you may become unable to handle all of your own affairs. You can name someone to act on your behalf in the event of your incapacitation by executing a certain type of power of attorney called a durable power of attorney. Durable powers of attorney remain in effect even if you become incapacitated. The Anatomy of a Durable Power of Attorney A durable power of attorney essentially … [Read more...] about Who Can Act as an Agent Under a Power of Attorney?
What Are the Alternatives for Managing Property When a Person Becomes Incapacitated?
Incapacity planning is an important part of your overall strategy for aging. If you look at it logically, for the most part people do not suddenly pass away without going through a period of ill health. This can often involve losing the ability to make sound personal, medical, and financial decisions. What are the alternatives for managing property when a person becomes incapacitated? In a general sense, you have two options. You can do nothing and allow the state of Connecticut to decide who … [Read more...] about What Are the Alternatives for Managing Property When a Person Becomes Incapacitated?
