Today we honor the veterans who have kept our country and our democracy safe with respect, honor, and gratitude. We encourage our clients, friends, and colleagues to consider making a donation to a Veterans organization, as so many of the nearly 100,000 veterans living on Long Island struggle to meet basic needs. This year, the […]
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Top Tax Moves Before December 31, 2020 – But Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
There are a number of smart money moves to make before this historic year is over. Some of them were enacted as part of the economic relief package passed earlier in this year and others are traditional techniques, like charitable donations from an IRA. There’s still time to make these changes, but I’d encourage you […]
Continue reading…IRS Issues Changes in Revenue Procedure 2020-45
On October 26, 2020, the IRS issued IRS Rev. Proc-20-45 outlining the changes in the various tax rates, brackets and exemptions, and other income and estate and gift tax exclusions. Highlights of Changes in Revenue Procedure 2020-45 The Consolidated Appropriation Act for 2020 increased the amount of the minimum addition tax for failure to file […]
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NEWS UPDATE: Important Changes to the New Community Based Long Term Care Laws
Adding new lookback requirements for those applying for community-based Medicaid home care that went into effect on October 1, 2020 have been pushed back to January 1, 2021 because of the renewal of the Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) Declaration. The renewal is effective as of October 23 and for 90 days thereafter. All COVID […]
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Medicare Awareness: An Annual Wellness Exam is Covered; An Annual Physical Examination is Not
People who went for annual physicals throughout their adult lives are surprised to learn that Medicare does not cover an annual physical. It seems counterintuitive–wouldn’t you want to have more care, not less, so you can age well? But Medicare rules are different. Many people learn about this the first time they go for an […]
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Does Medicare Advantage Make Your Medical Coverage Better or Worse?
Some of the smartest people we know find enrolling in Medicare confusing and overwhelming. Despite the warm and fuzzy commercials from insurance companies, Medicare Advantage plans are tricky to figure out. And sometimes, Medicare Advantage can be more expensive than traditional Medicare. You want to go into the Medicare enrollment process with information to prevent […]
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Medicare Open Enrollment Season and Our Free Medicare Consultations
Open enrollment for Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription coverage begins on October 15 and ends on December 7, 2020. When it’s over, whatever decisions you may have made will be set in stone for a full calendar year. Mistakes are costly, especially for people who require multiple prescriptions. Also, if you do not […]
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Prepare Now for October 1, 2020 Changes to Community Medicaid
October 1 is the date when a host of new rules go into effect regarding Medicaid home care and all community based long term care services. It is essential to plan now if this is on the event horizon for you or a member of your family. Perhaps the most significant change is the 30 […]
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This Summer’s Annual BBQ Recipe – Grilled Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Yogurt is the unrecognized hero of marinades. The lactic acid breaks down protein, making the chicken extra tender and flavorful. Don’t use fat free yogurt – the gums and stabilizers in fat-free dairy products don’t win any flavor points in this recipe. Ingredients 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt 1 cup lightly packed cilantro, finely […]
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Power of Attorney is Not Enough for Medicare
A power of attorney is usually enough to take charge of a loved one’s financial and medical matters when they become incapacitated. But with Medicare, you need more than a POA. Many people learn this the hard way. It is a problem that can be easily solved and will save you and your loved ones […]
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