Long-term care is the “hidden” expense of retirement.
Many families realize too late that Medicare isn’t designed to cover extended stays in a nursing home or 24-hour home care.
This collection of articles provides the clarity you need to avoid those costly surprises. Below are our best resources to help you compare insurance options, understand government rules, and build a plan that keeps you in control of your care.
LOOKING FOR MORE? Browse all of our retirement resources.
Options for a long-term care plan when there are health issues. Morning, Toni: I am retiring in January when I turn 70, and my wife, Sharon, will be 66. I have heart issues with AFib and Sharon is a diabetic. Last month, we applied for a long-term care policy...
What’s the difference in home health care and at-home care? Dear Toni, I need your help regarding my parents who are in their late 80s. My mother has been disabled with Parkinson’s for the past 3 years and my father has been her caretaker, but due to his recent heart...
Hospice Gives Caregivers Well Needed Rest Dear Readers: This week I had my own experience with Medicare as my 92-year-old mother has reached her final stage of hospice. I feel it is important for me to explain hospice, so those with a terminally ill loved one learn...
Are You Prepared for a Life-Changing Event? Hi Toni: Recently, I had a bad car wreck and ended up with only a minor concussion from hitting the windshield. My wife was not hurt. I am 55 years old and have not thought about long-term care planning due to a life...
I Thought Medicare Covered Long-Term Care Dear Toni, Recently in your Medicare column, you discussed services that are not covered by Original Medicare such as dental, vision, long-term care, and other items. I thought Medicare covered long-term care but was wrong,...
Son Loses Mom’s House Because Poor Medicare/Medicaid Choices! Toni, I have a client, Joshua, who just received a bill for his mother's long-term care paid by Medicaid in the state of Texas, with care provided at her house instead of a nursing home during the...
Is it too late to buy a Long-Term Care policy? Dear Toni: My brother recently had to move out of his house into as assisted living facility because he broke his hip and is unable to live on his own. The monthly cost of the facility is about $4500 per month and...
Laid-Off … What Are My Medicare Options? Hello Toni: My husband, David, has been laid-off because of what is happening to the economy and rising gas prices. He is 68 and has never enrolled in Medicare. I am turning 65 this September and we both are covered under his...
America Get Prepared! Hurricane Season Starts June 1st!! Toni: In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey absolutely devastated my wife. Now, her 84-year-old mother is living in an assisted living facility, and we live over 10 miles away from her. What can we do to be prepared...
Mom Has to Pay 100% for Skilled Nursing…. Why?? Dear Toni, Please explain why my Mom must pay 100% for her Skilled Nursing stay. She recently slipped and fractured her back requiring a back brace. She was released from the hospital after only a 2-day stay. We were...
