by Jill Burzynski | Jul 10, 2015 | Caregiver Issues, Financing Long Term Care, Health Care Advocacy, Medicare
Earlier this year, chronically ill persons who had had their Medicare benefits discontinued because they were told that they were not improving filed a lawsuit in Vermont federal court Jimmo, et al vs. Sebelius, 5:11-CV-17, (D. VT., January 18, 2011). Historically,...
by Jill Burzynski | Jul 10, 2015 | End of Life Planning, Estate Planning, Financial Products and Issues, Financing Long Term Care, Health Care Advocacy
Dear Jill: I am 85 years old. I am married and have no children. What are my options for end-of-life care? Thank you, Margret Dear Margret: When considering end-of-life options for our clients, a number of factors must be considered. It is critical that you receive...
by Jill Burzynski | Jul 10, 2015 | Caregiver Issues, End of Life Planning, Health Care Advocacy
The local Hospice providers are facing a crisis. Since the inception of Hospice in 1983 Medicare regulations have included a cap limiting the average annual payment per patient a hospice can receive. If the average payment exceeds the cap amount, the hospice provider...
by Jill Burzynski | Jul 10, 2015 | Caregiver Issues, End of Life Planning, Estate Planning, Health Care Advocacy
It is important to discuss your beliefs and wishes with your health care surrogate. When instructing your health care surrogates about your wishes in the event you become incapacitated and they need to make health care decisions, you should consider the following...
by Jill Burzynski | Jul 10, 2015 | Alzheimers and Dementia, Estate Planning, Financing Long Term Care, Health Care Advocacy, Medicaid
All aspects of a client’s situation must be considered. I had a meeting with two brothers whose father was suffering from a long term chronic condition. Their mother had been his sole caregiver for about five years and she had just passed away. Her husband...
by Jill Burzynski | Jul 10, 2015 | Alzheimers and Dementia, Caregiver Issues, End of Life Planning, Health Care Advocacy
Providing care is a tremendous responsibility that family members often undertake. Family caregivers must find ways to take breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. No one can continue to expend all available energy giving to someone else, without...