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Homelessness Among Seniors a Growing Crisis, Say Experts

Lavelle & Finn


Homelessness rates are rising among people aged 65 and over. In addition to the dangers unhoused people face on the street, there are exponential effects on their access to health care. Barriers to accessible housing mean that more seniors are exposed to deadly medical conditions and are less likely to receive the preventative care they […]

What to Do If You Lose Your Medicaid Coverage

Lavelle & Finn


During the COVID-19 pandemic, states could not take away Medicaid coverage from any residents enrolled in this program. In recent months, however, this has been changing. If you are on Medicaid, be sure to take some time to understand whether your coverage may be at risk. How the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affected Medicaid Enrollees […]

What Is a Medicare Flex Card?

Lavelle & Finn


Some Medicare Advantage beneficiaries receive Medicare flex cards, pre-paid debit cards for qualifying expenses, as part of their benefits. The U.S. government does not issue Medicare flex cards. This benefit is only available on select Medicare Advantage plans, a private alternative to Medicare. Traditional Medicare does not offer flex cards. Certain Medicare Advantage plans provide […]

11 Things You Can Do Online Via the Social Security Website

Lavelle & Finn


The Social Security Administration (SSA) website hosts a wealth of online tools that offer you convenient access to benefits information. To make the most of these tools, simply create a my Social Security account online. It is free to set up a mySSA account. More than 65 million people are currently collecting Social Security benefits. Whether or […]

RSV Vaccine Options for U.S. Seniors to Become Available

Lavelle & Finn


Pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have each developed a vaccine to protect older adults from a virus known as RSV. People over 60 are at significant risk of serious complications if they contract RSV. Fortunately, with the recent FDA approval of Pfizer’s Abrysvo vaccine and GSK’s Arexvy vaccine, along with practical safety measures, seniors […]

Why Hire an Elder Law Attorney?

Lavelle & Finn


Elder law attorneys may specialize in estate planning, incapacity planning, and end-of-life care for seniors. They also help older adults remain in their homes as they age and protect them from abuse. These practitioners are essential because they work to protect a vulnerable population. To plan for their future and their care, seniors and their […]

Medicare Extra Help Program Set to Expand in 2024

Lavelle & Finn


Seniors and disabled citizens will receive more access to the Medicare Extra Help Program as of the beginning of 2024, the federal government announced. This expansion of benefits could enable up to 3 million people to reduce their prescription drug costs. What Is the Medicare Extra Help Program? The Medicare Extra Help Program assists older adults […]

When Does Someone Need Financial Guardianship?

Lavelle & Finn


When individuals cannot manage their finances, courts can appoint guardians. Financial guardianship is for those who need help handling money. Depending on the jurisdiction, financial guardianship may also be called guardianship of the estate or conservatorship. In cases where individuals need help with personal and financial decisions, the court can order guardianship of the person […]

Home Health Services Underutilized by Seniors, Study Shows

Lavelle & Finn


Health Affairs estimates that 4 million older adults can only leave their homes with assistance, making accessing care challenging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1.3 million Americans receive care in nursing homes. According to A Place For Mom, more than 810,000 reside in assisted living. Home health care presents an alternative to nursing homes […]

Innovative Long-Term Care Housing Solutions for Seniors

Lavelle & Finn


The population of seniors over 65 is expected to increase exponentially over the next decade. A study by the Office of Policy Development and Research exposed the country’s unpreparedness for housing the aged population. America has three major housing issues for seniors: affordability, physical accessibility, and access to medical care and other services. There is a need […]