Assisted Living In Concord, California

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As you or your senior loved one turns age sixty-five, it is important to start considering some financial and healthcare changes that you will be making. Around age 65, you should start to plan your health related matters and financial matters.

The health-related matters that you have to deal with as you age will be complex, but dont worry, you will have no problem doing these "senior tasks". You will need to look into Medicare insurance, long-term care insurance, social security, and other legal documents.

Almost everyone age 65 or older is eligible to enroll in Medicare Part A and B. You can sign up for Medicare Part A and B as early as three months before you turn 65 so that you can ensure that you have coverage when your birthday comes around. You may also want to consider a Medicare Part C care plan as well. Many seniors enroll in a Medicare Part C managed care plan. These plans replace traditional Medicare Parts A and B, and are somewhat cheaper than the combination of regular Medicare coverage and include prescription drug coverage. Part C, however, limits the health providers that you may use for your healthcare. ...
... With the high costs of prescription drugs, many people age 65 or older enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, which helps to reduce yearly drug costs. Since Medicare does not cover all medical expenses, seniors often have to buy a private Medigap insurance policy to supplement Medicare. Once you enroll in Medicare Part B coverage, you only have 6 months to decide if you want a Medigap supplemental insurance policy.

Along with Medicare, you will want to look into Long-Term Care Insurance policies to help pay for long-term care services and housing. Whether you want to live at home with homecare services, or in a senior care facility such as an assisted living facility, you will need a long-term care insurance policy to help cover costs. The insurance policies may be pricey, but it only gets more expensive as you age. If you are in your mid 60s you will want to buy an insurance policy sooner than later. Also, at age 66, when you are at your full retirement age, you can claim your full social security retirement benefits without any penalty. Some older adults claim their reduced benefits at age 62, while some other aging adults wait until their full retirement age to claim their higher benefits. Planning on when the best time to claim your social security may take some extra work, but it is worth it in the long run. A social security advisor can help you with any questions you may have, and with any paperwork you need help filling out.

If you or your loved one is low income or have a few assets, you will need to find out about extra financial assistance. Many Americans think that there is no option for low-income individuals, but fortunately that is not the case. There is medical coverage and financial help available to seniors age 65 or older who are low income and have few assets other than their homes. Medicaid can help pay the full cost for medical care, as well as for homecare or long-term senior care facilities. Supplemental Security Income will provide monthly cash assistance in additional to social security benefits.

You may have a few years left on this earth at age 65, but it is never too soon to get your documents in order. You will need to prepare documents so that your wishes can be met for your end-of-life care, ongoing finances, and your estate. You will also want to include a living will, a power of attorney for finances, and a will. There are many things to prepare so that you have the care you need, and senior care resources are available to help you and your aging loved ones.