Sarringhaus & Scott Co.

Sarringhaus & Scott Co. Your Local Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorney Experienced in Medicaid and Special Needs Planning Estate Planning and Elder Law

We recently announced a strategic merger with Sarringhaus & Scott Co.  Clients of both firms will benefit from the exper...
02/17/2025

We recently announced a strategic merger with Sarringhaus & Scott Co. Clients of both firms will benefit from the expertise the legal team brings all while maintaining the trusted relationships we have both built with their attorneys.

Read more about the strategic merger on our website:

The partnership between these two firms marks a significant step in enhancing client services and providing personalized estate planning.

https://josephlmotta.com/post/7-common-inheritance-mistakes-to-avoid/How to Avoid making These Mistakes with Your Inheri...
09/14/2024

https://josephlmotta.com/post/7-common-inheritance-mistakes-to-avoid/

How to Avoid making These Mistakes with Your Inheritance
The period following the death of a loved one can be a tumultuous time. Dealing with death and receiving an inheritance brings mixed emotions. The loss of a loved one is distressing, and while added funds can bring relief, it can be hard to think and plan objectively.

After receiving an inheritance, some people blow through it surprisingly quickly. Here are some mistakes people make when inheriting money and how to avoid them.

1. Not Factoring in Potential Inheritance Taxes
Depending on the size of the inheritance, you may get bumped into a higher tax bracket than you were previously. You could also eventually be on the hook for capital gains taxes; if you've inherited property, you also may owe capital gains. Consider working us at Joseph L. Motta an experienced attorney who specializes in estate planning. In addition, consider also talking with a financial advisor or an accountant before you spend any of your inheritance.

2. Failing to Make a Budget
If you don’t have a budget and are not used to managing money, you may not be prepared to handle significant funds. This could lead to overspending and a quickly disappearing inheritance. If you already have a budget, factoring in your new funds will help you see how it will affect your saving and spending strategy.

3. Spending Too Much
When receiving a large sum of money, you may assume that it will easily last. All too often, people fritter away inheritances by making major purchases right away, such as cars, boats, or vacations. Even if such purchases don’t seem all that significant at first, the costs can accrue quickly, especially if items you've purchased have additional costs, such as maintenance and insurance.

Stay grounded and take time to consider whether you truly need what you’re buying. Also, think through how much more money you could have in the future if you invest the money instead of spending it now. If you know how much you will inherit before you receive it, you can create a budget in advance.

4. Not Paying Off Debts
Paying off debts should be your first priority if you inherit a large sum of money. Paying off your mortgage, credit cards, or student loans will give you more freedom to do other things. You will still need to balance the debts you decide to pay with the amount of money you’d like to invest for the future.

5. Losing Other Income Sources
For people relying on asset-based or income-based government benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), receiving an inheritance could end up disqualifying them from these crucial public assistance programs. The benefactor needs to plan for this before passing on the inheritance. Establishing and funding an appropriate trust will reduce the possibility of this happening.

6. Not Saving Enough
Suddenly coming into a large amount of money can lead you to think about all the things you can do with it now instead of how you can save and invest for your future. After paying off debts, create an emergency fund with enough money to live on for about six months. Once you have done these two things, start increasing your contributions to your retirement accounts.

7. Not Getting Expert Advice
An inheritance, especially a sizeable one, can help you achieve financial security and allow you to pursue a dream career or some other life goal. However, an inheritance can vanish surprisingly quickly if not managed well. Before doing anything with your inheritance, consult with a financial advisor, an accountant, and an estate planning attorney.

How Estate Planning Attorneys Can Help
Consult with a skilled estate planning attorney to ensure you make smart investment decisions with your inheritance. Together with a financial advisor, Joseph L. Motta Co., LPA can provide valuable advice on diversifying investments and minimizing risks to maximize the potential growth of your inheritance. Seek out both these professionals to manage your inheritance wisely and plan for a financially healthy future.

You also can work with us, your estate planning attorney to get assistance in setting up a trust to protect your newfound money (or property). Additionally, partnering with us can mean knowing how to safeguard your inheritance for future generations.

Keep in mind that the estate planning process may prove useful in many ways other than protecting your inheritance. We can collaborate with you to create a detailed estate plan. This may include drafting a last will and testament, durable power of attorney, medical directives, and other important estate planning documents.

Contact us today so you can make informed decisions that align with your financial goals and secure your financial future.

We can help you avoid these mistakes with your inheritance. Contact us, your estate planning experts today for a free consultation.

If you're stopping by The Boomer Cash in Westlake tomorrow, make sure to find Joe and say Hi!
04/17/2024

If you're stopping by The Boomer Cash in Westlake tomorrow, make sure to find Joe and say Hi!

Come see Joseph Motta at the Boomer Bash Westlake, where the theme is "Boomer Bash Goes Country." Over 50 vendors serving the 50+ community.

https://josephlmotta.com/post/able-accounts-in-2024-save-up-to-18000-annually/What You Need To Know About The Changes to...
01/08/2024

https://josephlmotta.com/post/able-accounts-in-2024-save-up-to-18000-annually/
What You Need To Know About The Changes to ABLE Accounts
For nearly a decade, people with disabilities have had the option to accumulate savings in a special tax-free account – without risking their means-tested public benefits. In 2024, the annual limit on how much money one can deposit into these savings vehicles, known as ABLE accounts, will rise, allowing individuals to add up to $18,000 per year.

What Is an ABLE Account?
Many people across the disability community rely on such government assistance as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Yet having too many assets to their name can disqualify them from receiving these often critical benefits. For example, in most states, the resource limit to qualify for Medicaid is just $2,000. In 2014, Congress signed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act into law to help address this issue.

Individuals with an ABLE account can save up to a total of $100,000, tax-free, while remaining eligible for public assistance programs. Family members, friends, and others can make contributions to the account, too. The disabled person can then use these funds to help maintain their independence by spending them on disability-related expenses, including assistive technologies, education, transportation needs, vacations, legal fees, and health care.

Unlike a special needs trust (SNT), an ABLE account can be opened by the individual with the disability. This offers them considerably more control over the account funds compared with an SNT.

Starting in 2024, the annual limit on contributions to ABLE accounts will be $18,000, up from $17,000 in 2023. Through the end of 2025, ABLE account owners who work can contribute their employment income to these savings vehicles even beyond the per-year deposit limit. (Learn more about these rules under the ABLE to Work Act.)

The idea for these accounts derived from the concept of a 529 college savings plan. Similar to a 529 plan, funds in an ABLE account grow tax-deferred over time. In addition, each state administers its own ABLE account program.

To qualify, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s strict definition of “disabled.” You also must have incurred your disability before age 26. (Note that the age cutoff will shift to age 46 come 2026. According to estimates, this age adjustment will result in roughly 6 million more individuals becoming eligible to open these types of savings accounts.)

Why Open an ABLE Account?
People with disabilities are among those most at risk for financial disaster. According to research, just 10 percent of people of working age who are living with a disability are financially healthy.

ABLE Accounts, or 529A accounts, can serve as a form of future financial support for these individuals. Yet the vast majority of those who could benefit from these accounts remain unaware of them. As of 2022, 8 million people were eligible for this type of account, yet a mere 120,000 had one in place.

As a qualified special needs planning attorney we can help you learn more about setting up this type of savings account. Contact us today.

https://josephlmotta.com/post/2024-annual-gift-and-estate-tax-exemption-adjustments/With the arrival of the new year, re...
12/31/2023

https://josephlmotta.com/post/2024-annual-gift-and-estate-tax-exemption-adjustments/
With the arrival of the new year, revisions to the annual gift tax and estate tax exclusions will be going into effect, as recently announced by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Gift Tax Exemption for 2024
Every calendar year, you can gift up to a certain amount to another individual (or individuals) tax-free. These gifts can include cash as well as other types of property. The IRS typically adjusts this gift tax exclusion each year based on inflation.

Starting on January 1, 2024, the annual exclusion on gifts will be $18,000 per recipient (up from $17,000 in 2023). A married couple filing jointly can double this amount and gift individuals $36,000 apiece in 2024.

This means that if an individual taxpayer gifts less than $18,000 to any one person during 2024, they generally don’t have to report the gift to the IRS. However, if they gift more than $18,000 to someone in 2024, the gift giver must then file a gift tax return. (Note that the gift giver may not necessarily have to pay a gift tax when giving a gift of more than $18,000 to someone. This is because they can choose to apply their lifetime gift tax exclusion. Learn more about lifetime gift tax limits below.)

2024 Federal Estate Tax Exemption
The federal estate tax exemption is also set to increase come 2024. It will rise to $13.61 million in 2024 (up from $12.92 million in 2023). For couples, this exemption will equal $27.22 million.

In other words, an individual’s estate valued at less than $13.61 million in 2024 will not be subject to federal estate taxes. Most people, of course, are not multi-millionaires. Today, heirs of only a small fraction of the most affluent Americans need worry about the impact of the federal estate tax. (State estate taxes are a different story; those vary depending on where you live.)

Imagine Vanessa, a successful, single business owner with a total taxable estate worth $16 million. As a wealthy individual, Vanessa would likely want to consider how federal estate taxes could affect her heirs. If she were to pass away in 2024, her $16 million estate would exceed the $13.61 million threshold and owe the IRS a federal estate tax.

This is why very affluent people may choose to gift assets to loved ones during their lifetime. It is one way to help cut down on the taxes their estate will need to pay upon their death.

Combined Gift and Estate Tax Exclusions
Over the course of your lifetime, you can give away only up to a certain amount before the IRS imposes taxes. This limit is called the lifetime, or combined, gift and estate tax exemption. Because it’s linked to the federal estate tax exemption, it, too, is set to increase in 2024 – to $13.61 million for individuals and $27.22 million for couples.

Perhaps Vanessa decides to give a vacation home worth $1 million to her only child. She could take advantage of the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption by deducting $982,000 from her combined exemption ($1 million minus $18,000 = $982,000). This would allow Vanessa to give away another $12.62 million in assets before meeting her lifetime gift exclusion limit ($13.61 million minus $982,000 = $12.62 million).

It’s important to note that this high lifetime gift and estate tax exclusion of $13.61 million is currently on track to decrease drastically at the end of 2025, to about $6 million. For high-net-worth individuals who die in 2026, there may be tax implications for their estates. (Read more about the sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and strategies that may help avoid any negative impacts.)

Consult With Your Estate Planner
The rules regarding gift and estate taxes can get quite complex quickly. For instance, on top of federal taxes, some states impose an estate tax and even an inheritance tax. Consult with Joseph L. Motta, Elder Care and Estate Planning Attorney in Avon Lake, for expert advice about Ohio's gift and estate tax rules. We can help you maximize your legacy by finding the best tax planning strategies for your situation.

Elder Law Attorney Consults on Making Large Gifts
At Joseph L. Motta, elder law and estate planning firm in Avon Lake, OH, we know how to help you devise the best plan for yourself, spouse and for your heirs to avoid unwanted taxes and avoid delays in qualifying for Medicaid. Call 440-930-2826 to schedule a free consultation.

Stay up to date on the 2024 revisions to the annual gift tax and estate tax exclusions. Contact us today we'll help you understand its impact

https://josephlmotta.com/post/protecting-spouses-of-medicaid-applicants-2024-guidelines/Each fall, the Centers for Medic...
12/27/2023

https://josephlmotta.com/post/protecting-spouses-of-medicaid-applicants-2024-guidelines/
Each fall, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) renews the federal guidelines that seek to protect individuals whose spouses are applying for or receiving Medicaid long-term care benefits.

These protections, known as the Spousal Impoverishment Standards, help to support the financial well-being of seniors who continue residing at home while their spouse on Medicaid lives in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home.

Qualifying for Medicaid Long-Term Care Benefits
Long-term care is prohibitively expensive for many, so a large share of adults aged 65 and older rely on Medicaid to help cover the costs.

To qualify for Medicaid long-term care benefits, however, one must generally have very limited resources. In most states, the asset limit is set at $2,000. (Certain assets, such as personal belongings and the applicant’s primary residence, do not count toward this limit.) The applicant’s income typically goes to the nursing home as well, with some exceptions.

So, what happens if a person who qualifies for Medicaid long-term care is married? How can their healthy spouse afford to remain on their own at home? This is where the Spousal Impoverishment guidelines help.

2024 Spousal Impoverishment Figures
Note that most of the latest figures, outlined below, will go into effect January 1, 2024.

Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA)
A spouse who continues living at home while their partner receives long-term care coverage through Medicaid can keep up to $154,140 in assets starting in 2024.

The healthy spouse, or so-called “community spouse” then has a minimum amount of assets to live on without rendering their Medicaid spouse ineligible for benefits. This special protection is known as the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA). The maximum CSRA generally rises each year; in 2023, it was $148,630.

Meanwhile, according to federal law, no state can set the minimum CSRA below $30,828 as of 2024.

Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMNA)
In addition to CSRA, the federal government offers another level of protection for the community spouse: the Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMNA).

The MMNA ensures that the healthy spouse who continues to live in the couple’s home maintains a certain amount of monthly income while their partner receives their Medicaid long-term care coverage. (Learn more about the ins and outs of MMNA.)

In 2024, the maximum MMNA will be $3,853.50 (up from $3,715.50 in 2023). Again, this is the most in monthly income that the community spouse can keep while their spouse lives in a long-term care institution. If the healthy spouse does not make enough income to live on, this allowance comes from the income of the spouse on Medicaid.

Note that the minimum MMNA for 2024 can vary depending on your state. Alaska and Hawaii typically have slightly higher minimums. The federal government updates the minimum MMNA each July.

A Note on Income Cap States
Certain states have in place a Medicaid income cap. If you reside in one of these income cap states, you will not qualify for Medicaid if your income equals more than $2,829 (in 2024) – unless you have a certain type of trust in place. This trust, known to many as a Miller Trust, must hold any income you receive that is above that cap.

As of 2023, the 23 income cap states are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming.

Home Equity Limits
As mentioned above, Medicaid does not consider the primary home of an applicant as a countable asset, unless the applicant’s equity interest in their home is above a certain amount.

Your home equity equals your home’s value minus the sum of any loans you owe on the home. In 2024, the home equity limit is set to $713,000. (Some states choose to raise this limit to $1,071,000.)

Work With an Elder Law Attorney
Planning for Medicaid and navigating the Medicaid application process can be daunting. Let us come alongside you and answer all your questions. Contact Jospeh L. Motta today for expert assistance and direction.

Access the 2024 Spousal Impoverishment Rules via the Medicaid website.

Avon Lake, Ohio Elder Law Attorney

Contact us today and we can help you and your spouse as your apply for medicaid. An expert elder law attorney can answer all your questions.

https://josephlmotta.com/post/initiating-inheritance-conversations-with-your-children/Communicating Inheritance Intentio...
12/17/2023

https://josephlmotta.com/post/initiating-inheritance-conversations-with-your-children/
Communicating Inheritance Intentions Leads To Better Outcomes For Everyone
Not talking to your adult children about their inheritance comes at a cost. Do what you can to manage expectations for adult children as they forge their financial plans. Knowing their general inheritance situation can change their decision-making process and lead to better outcomes. These are practical matters of allocating resources for things like housing, retirement, 529 plans, and more.

When children don’t understand your inheritance intentions, it can result in arguments and legal battles among siblings and other heirs after you’re gone. The solution is a mature discussion with your inheritors, sharing details of your estate plan relevant to your child. You can withhold actual numbers by a range, such as enough for a home down payment. That way, you may provide a sense of magnitude without committing to exact amounts.

The Great Wealth Transfer
According to the Federal Reserve, the baby boomers are the wealthiest generation in US history. Baby boomers hold 70 percent of disposable income in the US and spend over $548 billion annually.

Forbes cites research stating that as much as $84 trillion may change hands by 2045. Much of the wealth is from high net-worth baby boomers. Millennials will control five times as much wealth in 2030 as they do today. Are they prepared for responsible stewardship?

Many who currently have substantial wealth have concerns that if their children know the extent of their wealth, it will reduce their motivation for productivity and growing into responsible citizens. Most parents prefer their children learn to grow their success independent of their parent’s wealth.

However, wealth is relative, and many parents also fear losing their ability to cover retirement, medical expenses, and long-term care. They want to maintain their quality of life while protecting their legacy. Because of this uncertainty, generally managing the expectations of their children’s future inheritance is better than providing exact amounts. After all, things always have the potential to change.

Failure to Prepare
Failing to prepare children for what they may inherit can hinder their ability to handle money wisely. Many suddenly feel separated from their friends, isolated, or even confused about relationships.

Others may be wasteful and spend their newfound money recklessly. Those who inherit even a modest amount can be just as imprudent without guidance. It’s all too common for some inheritors to splurge on expensive items, lavish vacations, and fast living.

The Conversation
Experts agree it’s important to talk to children about money and wealth during their adult years. It can help them learn how to manage money and live beneath their means as a lifestyle habit.

You might start conversations by discussing values, the opportunities money can provide, and their hopes of what they want to accomplish. For younger children, you may consider providing a modest sum of money and teaching them how to save, invest, and spend wisely. You may wish to demonstrate the importance of supporting charities, too.

Of course, one of the most effective strategies to teach children about values, spending, and investing money is by example. Parents must use their money in a way that reinforces their values.

One way to foster a positive relationship within the family is to purchase a vacation home. There, you can have everyone gather for summers, holidays, or annual family gatherings. Other techniques involve permitting children to choose charities to support and provide donations. If your children see you living your values, they will likely adopt similar values.

Estate Planning
Talking to your children about inheritance is an integral part of estate planning. Being transparent, fair, and open to their emotions can help ensure a smooth transition of your assets to the next generation. Keep a few things in mind during discussions:

Timing is Important
Have these conversations when children are mature enough to understand the implications of inheritance. Don’t create unnecessary anxiety or confusion by starting the conversation too early.

Be Transparent
Be clear about your estate intentions and plans without getting too detailed about the numbers. Being open about your goals and hopes for them can help avoid future conflicts. Not providing exact numbers keeps your estate planning flexible.

Consider Fairness
Consider what is fair and equitable when dividing your assets among children. Each child does not necessarily need to have an equal amount. Consider factors such as their financial situations, relationships with you, and levels of need.

Address Emotions
Inheritance can be an emotional topic for everyone. Acknowledge and address any feelings of anxiety, guilt, or resentment that may arise during the conversations.

How an Estate Planning Attorney Can Help
Joseph L. Motta inc., estate planning attorney can help when organizing your children’s inheritance, including:

Legal and Tax Implications
Estate planning attorneys understand the current legal and tax implications of inheritance. Your lawyer can help you navigate complex laws and regulations, ensuring your assets’ distributions are most efficient and tax effective.
Drafting Legal Documents
Estate planning attorneys can draft wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and more to help you plan for your children’s inheritance. Tailoring these documents to your specific needs ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
Reviewing and Updating Documents
Estate planning attorneys can review your existing planning documents to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect your current wishes. They may also recommend changes based on shifts in your family or financial circumstances. Informing your adult children of substantial changes is crucial in your inheritance conversations.
Guiding Asset Protection
Estate planning attorneys can guide strategies to protect your assets from potential creditors or legal claims. They can also help plan for long-term care and other future expenses to keep the bulk of your estate intact for your children.
Fostering Communication
Estate planning attorneys can facilitate communication between you and your children about your estate planning decisions. These discussions can help prevent future arguments.
While an estate planning attorney can help ensure your children’s inheritance is organized and distributed effectively, parents also play a key role. Parents must educate their children regarding the value of money, what it can and can’t do for them, and have open conversations about their future inheritance. Including your estate planning attorney in some of the more crucial conversations with your children about their inheritance can be effective.

We can help you address your family's questions about inheritance and maintaining your legacy and your family’s wealth for years to come.

https://josephlmotta.com/post/avoid-aggressive-medicaid-estate-recovery/Medicaid Estate Recovery Doesn't Have To Be Your...
12/08/2023

https://josephlmotta.com/post/avoid-aggressive-medicaid-estate-recovery/
Medicaid Estate Recovery Doesn't Have To Be Your Problem
The federal government requires states to have Medicaid estate recovery programs to recoup costs of providing medical care for poor residents, but leaves the particulars up to states. The Dayton Daily News has reported that Ohio is among the most aggressive states in seeking estate recovery, and is in the minority of states that puts liens on Medicaid recipients’ properties.

Policy debate
Estate recovery is carried out through collections by the Ohio Attorney General’s office, but the policy is set by Ohio Medicaid at the direction of the governor’s office.

Ohio law gives the Ohio Department of Medicaid leeway in developing program rules, which have to be reviewed every five years. The agency is currently accepting public comment on program rules.

The goal of the state’s administration is to balance the requirements of the law and make sure it is applied fairly, said Dan Tierney, press secretary for Gov. Mike DeWine.

“It’s obviously a sensitive issue,” said Tierney, adding the state is sensitive to people involved who receive services through Medicaid.

“The public policy that’s been directed is that these have been taxpayer funds expended, and in order to try and keep the program as lean and cost-effective and make sure these services are available for other families who need them and would need those resources to fund that care, certainly that’s the other side of this,” Tierney said. “That has to balance.”

There needs to be a way to reimburse the program, Davis said, but that needs to be coupled with consideration for families and individuals who have worked their lives for their things, such as their homes.

Estate recovery
Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities.

Estate recovery started in 1995, and seeks to obtain repayment of the cost of benefits once a Medicaid recipient dies. Records show, action is taken involving those who were either permanently institutionalized or 55 years or older.

Some states don’t collect unpaid Medicaid expenses from smaller estates. Estates valued under $25,000 are not subject to recovery in Georgia or Massachusetts while Texas sets the minimum for collections at $10,000, records show.

Ohio is one of the few states that “does not perform a cost-effectiveness test or place any predetermined dollar thresholds or real property value,” according to the 2021 study by the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission, a group that advises Congress.

Because of Ohio’s policies, the state collects more from its residents in Medicaid recovery than even much larger states. The national MACPAC study found Ohio’s Medicaid estate recovery program ranked second in the nation behind New York in collections four years ago, bringing in more than $55 million.

Ohio is also among about 18 states that pursue recovery for non-Long-Term Service and Support benefits, according to a federal study. Those benefits include debts from doctor visits, hospital stays, scans and other medical tests, among others, according to the agency.

After a Medicaid recipient dies, the state must attempt to recoup from his or her estate whatever benefits it paid for the recipient's care. This is called "estate recovery." For most Medicaid recipients, their house is the only asset available, but there are steps you can take to protect your home.

Joseph L. Motta., LPA Estate planning attorney in Avon Lake, Ohio can help you if you are worried about an estate recovery. We can help minimize the effects to your estate. Some options may include a "life estate" or an irrevocable trust. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.

Contact us today if you need direction with your estate planning. We can help you avoid Medicaid Estate Recovery.

https://josephlmotta.com/post/medicare-deductibles-going-back-up-in-2024/Deductibles Going up in 2024In 2023, seniors we...
11/13/2023

https://josephlmotta.com/post/medicare-deductibles-going-back-up-in-2024/
Deductibles Going up in 2024
In 2023, seniors were happy to see their Medicare Part B standard monthly premiums and annual deductibles go down for the first time in more than a decade. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for 2024, when these charges will be back on the rise.

In the fact sheet it released about the updated numbers, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) outlined the following changes for 2024:

Medicare Part B Changes
Medicare Part B enrollees will pay a standard monthly premium of $174.70 come 2024 (up $9.80 from $164.90 in 2023). (Note that beneficiaries who have higher incomes typically have a higher premium.)

The Part B annual deductible is rising to $240 in 2024 (an increase of $14 from $226 in 2023). Part B enrollees must cover all costs until they meet this deductible; Medicare then pays for most of the remaining fees.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors and people with qualifying disabilities. Medicare Part B specifically focuses on covering such services as medically necessary visits to doctors, outpatient medical treatments, ground ambulance transport, and preventative care, including vaccines.

Updates to Medicare Part A Charges
The deductible for Medicare Part A will also see a slight increase, about 2 percent, from $1,600 in 2023 up to $1,632 in 2024. Note that most people end up paying no premium for Part A because they (or their spouse) paid Medicare taxes throughout the years they were employed.

Part A relates to medical care in institutions such as inpatient hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, in addition to other settings. If you’re an enrollee and are admitted to a hospital, Medicare Part A will pay for your expenses for the first 60 days, after you pay your deductible. If you go to a skilled nursing facility, Part A covers the first 20 days. After that, you’ll have the following co-pays:

Co-payment for hospital stay, days 61 to 90 = $408 per day in 2024 (up from $400 in 2023)
Co-payment for hospital stay, days 91 and beyond = $816 per day in 2024 (an increase from $800 in 2023)
Co-payment for skilled nursing facility, days 21 to 100 = $204 per day in 2024 (up from $200 in 2023)
Medicare Open Enrollment
Each fall, from October 15 to December 7, Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period takes place. During this time, you can enroll in a plan or make changes to your existing plan.

Unfortunately, Medicare monthly premiums and annual deductibles will be back on the rise in 2024. We can help you with Medicare questions.

Address

32730 Walker Road , Suite J-1
Avon Lake, OH
44012

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+14409302826

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