If you are caring for a senior in Missouri and you notice a change in behavior or ability to complete daily tasks, it may be time to consider establishing a Missouri guardianship. Some common signs that your loved one may need formal assistance include trouble remembering to take medication or pay bills and disorientation. Planning for the possibility that you will need a guardianship is always preferable to frantically searching for a solution after your loved one has become legally … [Read more...] about Knowing when it’s Time for a Guardianship
The Differences between Medicaid and Medicare
Many clients have questions about Medicaid and Medicare, often confusing the two benefits programs. Although they are both established by the federal government and both provide healthcare-related services, there are some major differences between Medicaid and Medicare. The primary difference is that Medicaid is state-run, whereas Medicare is entirely federal. Missouri Medicaid provides coverage for eligible individuals who meet the needs-based requirements.What is Medicaid?Medicaid is an … [Read more...] about The Differences between Medicaid and Medicare
Director of Kansas City Regional Arts Council Retires
According to a recent article, director of Kansas City Regional Arts Council, Paul Tyler, retired in May after 14 years. As director, Tyler worked diligently to create relationships between individual artists and the organizations that support them. In the article, Tyler was said to have based his work on the web of cultural institutions and strong community connections that already existed in the Kansas City area.“There’s deep, deep roots to the creativity and the energy that we currently … [Read more...] about Director of Kansas City Regional Arts Council Retires
Do You Really Want to Use a DIY Will?
If you are thinking about drafting your will on your own, you may want to reconsider. If you want to remodel your bathroom, do-it-yourself may be a great way to go. But when it comes to estate planning tools, a DIY will is really not the best choice. Despite their low cost and simplicity, they may not provide the accuracy and security that you should be able to rely on when creating an estate plan.The basics of drafting a WillThe Last Will and Testament, or will for short, is a very … [Read more...] about Do You Really Want to Use a DIY Will?
6 Asset Protection Strategies You Should Consider
Asset protection is not on everyone's radar. But if you have substantial wealth, or if you anticipate receiving an inheritance, lawsuit settlement or judgment, sale of stock options, or other situation that will dramatically increase your wealth, there are a few asset protection strategies that you should consider.No. 1: Consider increasing your liability insuranceYour first line of defense against potential litigation, especially if you own a business or work in a professional field such … [Read more...] about 6 Asset Protection Strategies You Should Consider
The Facts about Missouri Medicaid Eligibility
Medicaid is an assistance program that provides healthcare benefits to individuals with limited assets. Federal, state and local taxes are used to fund this program and those funds are used to help eligible individuals pay their medical expenses. In most cases, Medicaid recipients are not required to pay anything for covered medical expenses, with the exception of a small co-payment. Many clients have questions about Missouri Medicaid eligibility. Here is what you need to know.Other … [Read more...] about The Facts about Missouri Medicaid Eligibility
Legacy Planning in Kansas
While basic estate planning is important for all of us, Kansas residents who have been prosperous and successful in creating a strong financial footing for themselves and their families, legacy planning is even more important. Without it, your hard work may be in vain. Legacy planning is necessary for preserving a family’s wealth using such as wills, powers of attorney, living trusts and other basic estate planning tools, as well as more advanced tools like Family Limited Partnerships and … [Read more...] about Legacy Planning in Kansas
An Estate Planning Attorney Kansas City, Missouri Residents Can Benefit From
When it becomes time to start planning for your future and the future of your family, the advice of an estate planning attorney can be of great value. Here is what to look for in an estate planning attorney Kansas City, Missouri residents can benefit from.The type of legal work an estate planning attorney performsEstate planning attorneys are experts in preparing their clients for death, as well as the potential for incapacity. An estate planning attorney Kansas City, Missouri residents … [Read more...] about An Estate Planning Attorney Kansas City, Missouri Residents Can Benefit From
What the Medicaid Law Says about Medicaid Fraud
The unfortunate reality is that Medicaid fraud and abuse exists and it potentially costs billions of dollars each year in diverted funds that should have been used for legitimate health care services. Because of the fraud and abuse, the cost of Medicaid is unnecessarily increased, as is the risk of harm to patients who are unwittingly exposed to unnecessary medical procedures.What is Medicaid fraud and abuse?Medicaid fraud occurs when someone knowingly misrepresents the truth in order to … [Read more...] about What the Medicaid Law Says about Medicaid Fraud
Avoiding Estate Taxes
A primary goal of estate planning, for most clients, is minimizing or avoiding estate taxes. There is no Kansas estate tax as of 2016, but that is not true for every state. So check with your state revenue department to find out for sure. Regardless, the current federal estate tax rate is 40 percent. Now, if your gross estate does not exceed $5.49 million, as of 2016, then you will not be required to pay estate taxes. If you cannot take advantage of the estate tax exclusion, then it will be … [Read more...] about Avoiding Estate Taxes
