Helpful Information and Current News
Social Security Adds Additional Conditions to List for Accelerated Approval - The Social Security Administration has added 13 new conditions involving the immune system and neurological disorders to its Compassionate Allowances program. This program speeds up disability decisions to make sure that Americans with the most serious disabilities receive their benefit decisions within days instead of months or years. The conditions include certain cancers, adult brain disorders, a number of rare genetic disorders of children, early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Real Estate Transfers - The IRS has ruled that the stepped-up basis offered to the heir or beneficiary upon the death of the original owner does not apply if the property was transferred prior to the owner's death. This places the gift of the parent's property to the children in a seriously negative category of estate or Medicaid planning. An elder law attorney can assist with this type of critical decision, so don't go it alone! Ina Kay Zimmerman offers consulting on this and other related issues.
Medicare Premiums - Many Medicare beneficiaries in Kansas qualify for "Extra Help" and other cost savings programs, but a large number are not enrolled. An initiative has been launched by K4A, composed of the (Kansas Dept. on Aging, and Kansas Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) Associations, aimed at connecting seniors and people with disabilities with programs to provide substantial health care savings on premiums, deductibles, co-payments and prescription drug costs for those who qualify. Check out www.K4A.org or call the Area Agency on Aging nearest you at 1-866-457-2364, to be connected with the AAA office serving your calling area.
Alliance for Aging - Ina Kay Zimmerman served on the Board of Directors of The Foundation on Aging for a number of years, and continues her support of the fine work of its successor organization, The Alliance for Aging. The Alliance has promoted innovative solutions which impact the lives of older adults in metropolitan Kansas City. The Alliance website is still www.foundationonaging.org so take a look at the numerous activities listed there.