With the 2024 presidential election in the not-too-distant future, coverage of heated debates over the nation’s government budget, including how to secure the future of public benefits programs like Social Security and Medicare, has dominated the daily headlines.

In one recent development, President Joe Biden, who has pledged to bolster such federal programs, has announced a proposal to fund Medicare through the year 2050.

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal program providing health insurance to individuals who are 65 and older as well as those with qualifying disabilities.

More than 65 million Americans are currently enrolled in it – a number that is only expected to grow as the population of the country ages.

When Will Medicare Funding Be Depleted?

By 2028, however, the program’s funding source is estimated to run short, meaning that Medicare will no longer be able to pay out full benefits for its enrollees.

Finding solutions to ensure Medicare remains solvent have therefore been under intense discussion among lawmakers as of late. While the Biden Administration cites protecting Medicare as one of its top priorities, Republicans in Congress have also stated in recent months that cutting Medicare, as well as Social Security, is a measure that is “off the table.”

With Medicare spending now accounting for about 10 percent of the federal budget – $689 billion in 2021 – questions remain about how the government will cover the costs of this program as they continue to rise.

Proposal Includes an Additional Medicare Tax for High-Income Earners

Under Biden’s proposal, those who make more than $400,000 per year would face a Medicare tax increase of 5 percent, up from 3.8 percent.

“High-income people are supposed to pay a 3.8 percent Medicare tax on all of their income, but some high-paid professionals and other wealthy business owners have managed to shield some of their income from tax by claiming it is neither earned income nor investment income,” the White House stated.

Also included in the plan is a proposal to limit the cost to Medicare Part D enrollees for certain generic prescription medications for chronic illnesses to $2 per month.

Read more in the White House’s fact sheet. The proposal on Medicare is part of a more comprehensive budget plan from the Biden Administration that is slated to be unveiled this week.

Hospice care is a type of health care that patients with terminally ill conditions rely on at the end of their lives. This type of care focuses on pain management and emotional, spiritual, and familial support for patients nearing the end of their lives.

There are several options for receiving hospice care, including being cared for at home. The type of intimate care a patient receives while in hospice is more conducive to being received at the patient’s home. This becomes a team effort, and it helps to have a peaceful environment when receiving care.

Who Can Benefit From This Type of Care?

Patients with serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease, dementia, kidney failure, or other fatal conditions benefit from hospice care. This type of care can help the patient live a more comfortable life while decreasing the emotional burden of grief for families by preparing them for the loss of their loved one.

When Is Hospice Recommended?

Hospice care should not only be considered by those who have loved ones nearing the end of their lives. While most of these services are generally reserved for people with six months or less to live, early hospice care can be beneficial for patients and their families as well.

You may wish to consider such services in the following cases:

• The patient has a serious decline in their physical well-being
• After a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
• You have decided to forgo any treatment to improve your physical treatment or care for your illness

Who Makes Up a Hospice Care Team?

Your hospice team can consist of many different types of people. Various professionals and volunteers may be involved in end-of-life care. Some of those you may see on your care team can include:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Social workers
• Spiritual advisors
• Trained volunteers

Who Pays for Hospice Home Care?

Like any other health care option, these services can quickly become very expensive. Fortunately, there are several ways to cover the cost, including:

Government Programs

If you qualify for government assistance, there may be insurance plans specifically designed to cover the cost of hospice care.

Seniors enrolled in Medicare Part A may qualify for a Medicare hospice care benefit. This benefit program allocates money to pay for such care at home.

For terminally ill patients on Medicaid, hospice care may be covered depending on the state.  

The Department of Veterans Affairs may also provide coverage for these care benefits for seniors who have served our country.

Private Insurance

Check the terms of your insurance policy to determine if your health insurance covers hospice care. Your policy may cover all or part of your hospice care needs.

Options for Uninsured Patients

Even if you do not have health insurance, you may still have coverage options. There are charitable organizations that work with elderly and disabled individuals who need help paying for hospice care services. Hospice care organizations also often have internal departments that work with patients who qualify for this type of care but are indigent or do not have health insurance.

Is In-Home Hospice Right For You?

Making this choice is an important part of your end-of-life care plan. Be sure to gather as much information as you can before deciding whether this type o care is best for you. For example, you may want to consult Medicare’s hospice compare website or CaringInfo.org’s website for other hospice locator tools.

If you have questions about Medicare or Medicaid, contact a qualified elder law attorney in your area to learn more.

According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure contributes to many significant health conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. In the United States, 121.5 million adults suffer from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

While half of these individuals have improved their conditions, others have uncontrolled blood pressure, which can harm their health. Self-monitoring one’s blood pressure can help control this condition. Depending on your state, Medicaid may cover part of the cost.

What Is Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP)?

Medical care is an important part of blood pressure management. Yet, you can also help your doctor treat you by monitoring and recording your symptoms at home. This is called self-measured blood pressure (SMBP). When combined with a doctor’s support, SMBP might improve your health.

You can use a manual blood pressure cuff or an automated blood pressure device to monitor your BP. With at-home measurements, you can record your blood pressure levels over time. Your doctor can use this information to help treat you.

The Benefits of Monitoring Blood Pressure at Home

Some evidence suggests that SMBP with clinical support may be more effective than medical care alone.

• When you measure your blood pressure at home, you can assess your condition regularly. You do not have to wait for a medical professional to evaluate your BP. If your blood pressure becomes dangerously high, you can inform your doctor and seek emergency treatment.
• By keeping track of the fluctuations in your blood pressure at home, you can give your doctor detailed information to help with your treatment. For instance, your doctor can use the information to decide what kind of medication and dosage to prescribe.
• Sometimes, blood pressure levels change depending on the situation. SMBP can identify forms of hypertension that present differently. At-home measurements can reveal white-coat hypertension (when a patient’s BP is high at the doctor’s office, but at a healthy level at home) and masked hypertension (when BP readings appear normal in a doctor’s office but are high in other settings, such as at home or work).

Why Might Medicaid Beneficiaries Need Coverage for SMPB?

Per Medicaid.gov, one-third of all Medicaid beneficiaries have high blood pressure. With uncontrolled hypertension disproportionally affecting low-income, nonpregnant adults on Medicaid, SMBP coverage and reimbursement through Medicaid can be beneficial for many.

Does Medicaid Cover Home Blood Pressure Monitoring?

Medicaid covers SMBP in certain states. Yet not all states have coverage. Continue reading for more information.

What Does SMBP Medicaid Coverage Include?

Depending on your state, Medicaid’s coverage for self-measured blood pressure could include the following:

• Provider reimbursement for medical support
• BP measurement devices for you to use at home (manual blood pressure cuffs or automated blood pressure devices)

In most states with SMBP coverage, Medicaid takes care of medical care as well as devices. Other states cover just one or the other. The American Medical Association outlines what Medicaid provides in each state.

Which States Cover Medical Support and BP Measurement Devices?

The following states provide coverage to some extent for both medical support and devices:

• Arizona
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Michigan
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Texas
• Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

These states only cover durable medical equipment (manual blood pressure cuffs or automated blood pressure devices):

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• California
• Connecticut
• D.C.
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Kansas (only covers manual blood pressure cuff)
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New York
• Utah
• Vermont
• Washington

The following states reimburse providers for supporting patients with SMBP. However, Medicaid does not pay for at-home devices.

• Georgia
• Kentucky
• Montana
• Rhode Island

Speak With an Attorney

If you have high blood pressure, self-measurement might help. Consult with an attorney to learn more about whether you could be eligible for Medicaid coverage in your state.

As of late 2022, more than 84 million people were enrolled in Medicaid — a number that has steadily increased in recent years. Amid the pandemic, total enrollees climbed by 20 million people from 2020 to 2022 alone.

Meanwhile, the debate among lawmakers on further expanding Medicaid in some 11 states continues to evolve. Depending on where you reside, passage of such an expansion could mean you become newly eligible for Medicaid.

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a nationwide program designed to provide public health insurance for low-income individuals, including seniors and people with disabilities. Established in 1965, it serves today as the single-largest source of health coverage in the U.S.

Because Medicaid is jointly run by the federal government and state governments, its benefits — and your ability to qualify for them — can vary greatly depending on your state.

As a result, certain populations, even if they are living in poverty, may not be eligible for Medicaid. For example, in some states, a healthy, childless adult couple under age 65 with limited means may not qualify for health coverage through Medicaid if their state has not adopted Medicaid expansion.

What Is Medicaid Expansion?

Medicaid coverage across the country has evolved since the program was first created. Different states may employ different eligibility criteria, income limits, or application requirements.

In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) attempted to expand Medicaid coverage to adults between 18 and 65 with incomes below a certain level, regardless of their age, family status, or health. The ACA also sought to supply those whose incomes fell within specific limits with premium tax credits that would help them afford the purchase of a private insurance plan.

Yet, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government could not force states to expand coverage. States can decide whether to expand Medicaid to cover more people. This has created a coverage gap: Those who have incomes below 100 percent of the federal poverty level and who live in states that have opted against expanding Medicaid may not qualify for Medicaid, or for the premium tax credits.

Medicaid Expansion States

As of early 2023, most states have adopted the ACA’s broadening of Medicaid. Per the Kaiser Family Foundation, the following states – in addition to the District of Columbia – have expanded Medicaid coverage per the ACA:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia

States Without Medicaid Expansion

States that have not adopted Medicaid expansion per the ACA include:

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Kansas
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Medicaid Expansion Developments

The map of Medicaid expansion states continues to evolve, however:

• South Dakota voters approved a ballot measure adding Medicaid expansion to the state constitution in November 2022. The expansion will go into effect beginning July 1, 2023.
• In February 2023, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed a bill to expand Medicaid. It now awaits review in the Senate.
• Meanwhile, also in February 2023, the Wyoming House of Representatives declined to address a proposed Medicaid expansion bill.

Arguments Against Medicaid Expansion

In states without Medicaid expansion, those opposed to expanding coverage have voiced such concerns as increased costs and a higher risk of fraud.

For example, some argue that Medicaid expansion would burden their state’s budget. Although the federal government funds the majority of expanded Medicaid, it does not completely cover the costs; states pay 10 percent. In the case of Wyoming, House Majority Floor Leader Rep. Chip Neiman has raised concerns that the federal government would not uphold the federal match, leaving the state to bear more financial responsibility.

Others contend that Medicaid’s most vulnerable beneficiaries may face greater competition for resources, that other health care options are available to those in need, or that expansion may not ultimately translate into better long-term health outcomes.

How Older Adults Can Find Out if They Are Eligible for Medicaid Coverage

In states that have adopted expanded Medicaid, you may qualify if your household income lies below 133 percent of the federal poverty level, according to HealthCare.gov.

For older adults, most states provide Medicaid to those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To be eligible for SSI, individuals must have low incomes, limited assets, and be unable to work due to a qualifying mental or physical impairment. Per the Kaiser Family Foundation, some states expand Medicaid to older adults and disabled people whose income surpasses the SSI limit but falls below the federal poverty level.

You may be able to qualify for Medicaid through the Medically Needy program if your state has established one. The Medically Needy program allows people to enroll in Medicaid when they have significant medical expenses. When they subtract their medical spending from their total income, they can qualify for Medicaid if their income, minus health care expenses, falls below a specified limit (which also varies by state).

To find out whether you qualify for Medicaid, consider consulting the following tools:

• The Benefits.gov Eligibility Checker will ask you questions regarding things like household income, number of dependents, and citizenship status to help you determine whether you might be eligible for Medicaid generally.
• The HealthCare.gov site can offer additional insights, including:
  • Guidance on Health Insurance Marketplace applications
  • Income calculators
  • Premium tax credit information
  • Q&A tool to determine eligibility for cost-sharing reductions

Again, the rules governing Medicaid and its complex eligibility criteria varies widely by state. To find out whether you may be able to receive public health insurance through Medicaid, consult with your attorney.

It is easy to burn out when you are responsible for providing full-time care to an aging or disabled loved one. In some cases, caregiver burnout can result in resentment toward the individual they care for, despite their love for them.

The fact is, we all need a break sometimes. That is why respite care exists. If you are a caregiver who needs to take time for yourself, read more to learn about respite care.

What Does Respite Mean?

Taking respite means having a temporary period of rest. For primary caregivers, this typically refers to securing short-term care for your loved one – even several weeks or months – so that you can recharge amid the very real burdens of caregiving.

In finding respite, you also might make time to practice self-care, from going to the gym to connecting with friends. Do not forget to find ways to maintain your sense of self while you are in the midst of giving so much of your time and attention to someone else.

Caregivers Want Information About Respite Care

In a 2022 survey of caregivers, Caregiving in America found that most were unaware that respite care was available. Many caregivers need more education about their options for respite care and how to build a network of support to share the load of providing financial and emotional support to an ailing loved one.

Here are some of the study’s findings:

• Fifty-nine percent of respondents reported that they were the primary emotional support system for a sick or impaired loved one.
• Twenty-two percent of respondents said they worked more than 40 hours per week as the primary caregiver to a disabled family member.
• Forty-eight percent of respondents disclosed they needed emotional support for themselves.
• Forty-four percent of respondents shared that they wanted information about where to find respite care.

Caregivers need information about maintaining their own health while supporting a family member. It is essential to prioritize yourself when caring for an aging or disabled relative.

Preventing Caregiver Fatigue

The challenges of taking care of an ailing loved one can be extremely stressful. More than that, the strain of serving as a caregiver – often unpaid – can make a real and lasting impact on your own health if not kept in check.

Symptoms of burnout among caregivers may include the following:

• Losing sleep and extreme fatigue
• Feeling hopeless
• Having a quick temper
• Lack of interest in your favorite activities

If you or someone you know has taken on the responsibilities of caregiving, be aware of the signs of burnout and actively seek support. Respite care is among your potential options.

(If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, you may also be interested in learning more about burnout and other specific kinds of resources available to you.)

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care gives caretakers a chance to relax and take a break from the responsibility of providing full-time care to loved ones who are aging or disabled. Respite programs offer short-term replacement care. These providers will step in for a short period to take on the responsibility of caring for your loved one.

The types of care you can expect them to take on may include the following:

• Bathing and dressing
• Cooking and cleaning
• Helping your loved one eat, drink, and take their medication
• Getting into and out of bed
• Assistance with the restroom
• Spending quality time with your loved one
• Helping with exercise and personal care

How Much Does Respite Care Services Cost?

The cost of respite care varies depending on how long you use the service. You can schedule respite care for several days, weeks, months, or longer.

Who Pays for Respite Care?

Private insurance will typically not cover respite care, unfortunately. If your loved one is covered by Medicare or Medicaid, you may be able to secure five consecutive days of respite care. Your loved one must be receiving hospice care benefits for Medicare to cover respite care.

Finding Respite Care

Several organizations provide respite care. If your family member is covered by Medicaid, you can speak to a Medicaid planner in your state to determine what programs may be available. As mentioned above, Medicare covers respite care under its hospice benefit.

If your loved one is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid, don’t worry; there are private organizations that provide this service. These organizations include:

• National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA)
• Your Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

In addition, you may want to connect with a qualified elder law attorney in your area to talk through your options. A professional can help you how to pay for respite care, how your loved one might qualify for Medicaid, and more. Search online for an elder law attorney near you.

Many adult children wonder what their aging parents may need and how can they can help provide it for them.

You may constantly worry about your parents or other older loved ones, especially if you live far away from them. You can, however, take some simple steps to ensure your parents are safe as they age.

Tip No. 1: Recognize the Risks Older Adults Face

Knowing the risks seniors face can help you begin an action plan for your parents. It may be difficult for some older adults to complete tasks they could do before with ease, particularly if they live alone. Examples of those tasks can include:

• Taking medication correctly and on time
• Remembering things, keeping up conversation, or multitasking
• Getting help in a medical emergency, such as a fall
• Eating healthfully
• Moving safely around their home

Being aware of these common concerns can be an important first step in doing everything you can to protect your parents as they age.

Tip No. 2: Ensure Medication Compliance

If your parents have health conditions that require them to take medication regularly, you should take time to make sure they are adhering to their prescription instructions. It may be a good idea to routinely review the medications your parents take, the name of the medications, and any potential side effects.

You may consider creating a medication schedule that you can both follow, so that you (or a home care provider) can check in and confirm your loved one is remembering to take medications when necessary.

Tip No. 3: Prepare for Cognitive Decline

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect more than 5 million adults aged 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Keep your parents safe by understanding their current cognitive abilities and any risks they may face for future decline.

Consider setting up a routine for your parents’ day-to-day lives. This might include social engagement and spending time with you and other family members, which may become even more crucial if their cognitive health has deteriorated.

Tip No. 4: Equip Aging Parents for Medical Emergencies

Older adults that live alone are vulnerable to falls and other medical emergencies. If you live out of state, you may have concerns about your parents being able to act quickly in ensuring they get emergency medical attention when they need it.

To help your parents respond to emergencies, consider using a medical alert system. With a medical alert system, your parents will have emergency assistance at the push of a button. Many different companies offer this type of service. An online search can help you narrow it down.

Tip No. 5: Plan for Meals

Seniors, especially those that live with memory issues, may not eat regularly. Without adequate nutrition, older adults may fall ill, or any current condition may worsen. Many seniors across the United States are food insecure. Fortunately, there are certain Medicare Advantage grocery benefit programs as well as other free or inexpensive meal delivery services, such as Meals on Wheels, that deliver nutritious meals to seniors.

Tip No. 6: Prevent Household Injury

Household injury is a major risk for seniors, especially those who live alone. You should do a sweep of your parent’s home and remove all potential hazards, including unsecured electrical cords, household products and chemicals, or loose rugs. Fix broken handrails on staircases, install grab bars in bathtubs, and ensure there is adequate lighting in their home. Taking each of these steps, and any others you see fit, can help avoid a preventable injury.

Taking on the responsibility of providing full-time care for an aging or disabled loved one can be a rewarding experience. Being a primary caregiver helps you rest assured that your loved one is receiving compassionate care from someone who will go above and beyond to ensure they are comfortable and looked after.

Despite your good intentions to create a comfortable environment for your loved one, full-time caregiving is a significant time commitment. There is also a financial reality that the caregiver must face. Fortunately, family members who want to serve as caregivers may have options to help cover the expense.

What Is a Caregiver, and What Do They Do?

Professional caregivers work intimately with seniors to meet their needs as they age. As individuals get older, their needs change and they may need more help going about their day.

Examples of the kinds of help caregivers provide include:

• Bathing and grooming
• Help with toileting
• Medical appointments and medication compliance
• Transportation
• Companionship
• Cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping
• Care for animals
• Laundry
• Coordinate benefit care/speak to insurance companies on the senior’s behalf, if authorized

Family Caregivers: Know the Downsides

Having a family member serve in the role of caregiver can make for a better experience for your loved one and, in some ways, give you peace of mind as well. However, there are some downsides to be aware of if you are considering becoming a family caregiver.

Your own health, both physical and emotional, can be negatively affected when taking on the burden of caring for a family member. Be sure to engage in self-care, maintain a healthy diet, and watch out for signs of stress and burnout. When you do need a break, consider looking into respite care.

If your loved one has specific medical issues that will require the attention and expertise of a professional health care provider, you may want to reassess whether you should take on the role of family caregiver.

Taking care of a loved one who is getting older or who is disabled will likely require a great deal of your time, too. You may find yourself not performing as well at work or having a longer commute as you fulfill the needs of your ailing loved one. Not to mention that your own immediate family may be missing out on valuable time with you while you are caregiving elsewhere.

In turn, this could mean you will have less time to hold down a full-time job. In fact, a 2020 AARP survey showed that about 20 percent of family caregivers reported experiencing a high level of financial stress. Nearly 30 percent of them stopped saving altogether as a result of providing care for their loved one.

In these challenging economic times, you must be able to support yourself while ensuring the best care for your aging family member.

Can Family Members Get Paid for Their Work as a Caregiver?

Fortunately, certain programs are available to help family members care for ailing relatives. You may need to do a bit of research to find the right option for your circumstances.

• Medicaid Self-Directed Care

For individuals on Medicaid, the Medicaid Self-Directed Care Program is one option that gives them the authority to manage their services. In certain states, this program offers recipients the ability to use the resources allocated for home care to pay a family member to help them with their daily needs. The Medicaid Self-Directed Care Program lets seniors have more autonomy over their care.

Note that such programs vary by state, however, and not all states will have an option like this. Each state may also use different criteria to define who qualifies as a “family” caregiver. Find your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more about the possibilities, or call your local Medicaid agency.

Note that, generally, Medicare will not cover the costs of caregiving by a family member.

• Veteran’s Benefits

If your loved one is a military veteran, there are special benefits available to cover their home care, including the Veteran’s Directed Home and Community Based Services program. This program gives veterans a flexible spending budget that the veteran can use to pay a family member to act as their caregiver.

• National Family Caregiver Support Program

Note that this program does not pay caregivers directly. Rather, it helps fund several different types of services for family caregivers, from training in caregiving to respite care. Learn more about this program.

• Long-Term Care Insurance

If you are thinking ahead to who will care for you as you age, you may consider long-term care insurance when creating an estate plan. Certain long-term care insurance policies allow the policyholder to pay family members to work as caregivers. However, that is not true for every policy. Some policies do not allow policyholders to pay family members to work as caregivers if they live in the policyholder’s home.

Before taking out this type of insurance policy, you should speak to a qualified attorney in your area to ensure you are properly advised.

Long-term care for seniors is always evolving. One possible next step for you or your loved one may be geriatric care.

You may be wondering: What does this type of care entail? Is it any different from the arrangements I have previously made for my aging family member? What does ‘geriatric’ even mean? Keep reading to learn about geriatric care and the growing need for these services across the United States.

What Is ‘Geriatrics’?

Geriatrics is a medical specialty dedicated to the care of aging people. There is no specific age when someone should seek geriatric care. However, most people over 75 tend to need skilled care focused on the challenges seniors begin to face as they age.

The need for this type of care will grow in the future. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2030, everyone in the Baby Boomer generation will be 65 or older. With the expected increase in need, it is important for seniors and their caregivers to learn more about this type of care.

Common Medical Problems Older Adults Face

Older people tend to need more substantial medical care than other populations. They suffer from chronic health conditions at a higher rate, and certain medications may cause negative reactions in their bodies. Geriatric physicians, also known as geriatricians, are specially trained to meet these needs.

Common medical issues that seniors suffer from can include:

• Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease
• Increased risk of falls
• Delirium
• Increased confusion and agitation
• Muscle atrophy
• Heart disease
• Gradual or acute loss of mental capacity
• Other chronic illnesses

How Do Seniors Benefit From Geriatric Care?

Geriatric care may aid in allowing seniors to receive necessary medical care while remaining in their communities. They can build a health care team that addresses each of their needs. Doctors specializing in this field do not replace primary care physicians. As patients age, a primary care doctor works with the geriatrician to address any underlying conditions and create a treatment plan.

Having a strong health care team working for them allows seniors to live healthier and more independent lives. Adding a geriatrics physician to your loved one’s health care team may improve their quality of life.

Some of the benefits of geriatric care include:

• More accurate diagnoses
• Decreased dependence on nursing home care
• Improved quality of life
• Improved cognition and mental function
• Lowered rates of depressive episodes

How Can a Geriatric Care Manager Help Caregivers?

You may be struggling to provide care for aging loved ones. Perhaps you live in another state, have a full-time job, or have serious health conditions of your own.

Geriatric care managers may be able to offer support. These professionals act as advocates for your aging family members. They tend to have formal education and experience in such disciplines as nursing, gerontology, health care administration, or social work.

Note that they usually serve families whose incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid coverage or other government assistance.

Geriatric care managers provide some of the following services:

• Assisting with long-term care arrangements
• Communicating with out-of-state family members about their loved one’s condition and care plan
• Explaining complexities of long-term care to seniors
• Evaluating and coordinating hired caregivers (including home health care givers)
• Helping seniors apply for social services
• Researching governmental assistance programs or other programs available in your community

Additional Reading

• How Can an Aging Life Care Manager Help My Loved One?
• How to Choose the Best Home Care Provider for Your Parents
• Resources for Caregivers of Older Adults With Dementia

When it comes to filing your 2022 federal tax return for the 2023 tax season, you may be able to access several forms of assistance for free.

Filing Online: IRS Free File

In January 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)’s Free File service opened to taxpayers. Through IRS Free File, you can prepare and file your federal individual tax online — at no cost to you.

The service is made possible by volunteers and enables you to file your taxes from your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

The product options available to you may vary based on such factors as your gross income, location, and number of dependents:

• If you are a taxpayer who made $73,000 or less in 2022, you may qualify for IRS Free File Guided Tax Preparation. This service assists you in preparing as well as filing your federal income tax return through an IRS partner site for free.
• Taxpayers who made more than $73,000 in 2022 may be interested in taking advantage of the IRS’ Free File Fillable Forms. These are digital federal tax forms that you can complete, sign, and file online at no cost

Do I Need to Apply for Free File?

You do not need to apply for Free File. Simply visit the IRS’s Free File Lookup Tool and answer a series of questions to find out what product(s) you may be eligible to use.

Learn more about each service on the IRS website.

In-Person Support: Saturday Walk-In Hours

For those who would prefer in-person help, the IRS will now also be offering special Saturday hours to aid taxpayers at locations across the country.

There is no need to schedule an appointment for these special hours; you can walk in to speak directly with an IRS employee.

When Will Special IRS Saturday Hours Be Held?

Special Saturday hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in many states — as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico — on the following dates:

• Saturday, February 11, 2023
• Saturday, March 11, 2023
• Saturday, April 8, 2023
• Saturday, May 13, 2023

Prior to visiting an IRS office offering this service, be sure to double-check the IRS website for details regarding its Saturday hours.

“These walk-in locations are critical, and funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is allowing us to add more employees across the nation to better assist taxpayers this filing season and beyond,” Acting IRS Commissioner Doug O’Connell said in an IRS news release. “These special Saturday hours will help people get the services they need.”

Find more information about locations offering special Saturday hours, what to expect during your visit, what documents you will need to bring, and more.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

In addition, the IRS provides free assistance in tax return preparation for seniors, people with disabilities, taxpayers with annual income below $58,000, and taxpayers who are not fluent in English. It is called the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

Where Is the VITA Program Available?

You can find a VITA office near you on the IRS website; search by your ZIP code.

TCE: Free Tax Preparation for Seniors

Seniors can also benefit from the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program, which is also free. If you a taxpayer who is aged 60 or older, you can connect throughout tax season with a volunteer who can help you prepare your tax return. Locate an office with this service near you.

When Is Tax Season, Exactly?

The 2023 tax season officially began January 23, 2023. This is the date on which the IRS begins processing tax returns from the 2022 tax year. Tax season ends each year in mid-April.

When Are Tax Returns Due for the 2023 Tax Season?

In most cases, you should file your individual income taxes for the 2022 tax year by April 18, 2023. Extensions are available in certain circumstances. If you request an extension, your deadline for filing is October 16, 2023.