Elder Law Checklist of Essential Legal Documents

Light the candles, put on your favorite song, and savor this moment you only turn 65 once! Forget sayings like A lady or gentleman never tells their age, because at ArchWell Health, we believe every birthday is a reason to celebrate. And every age brings new gifts.So if youre turning 65, theres more than Medicare to look forward to although that is one of the perks!Thats why were excited to unwrap this new series, Turning 65, over the coming months. Each post will highlight a different aspect of life in your mid 60s with a positive spin and practical insights.Here are the topics well cover between now and the fall:Understanding Aging: Part of growing older is learning how to listen to the beautiful machine that is you and knowing how to care for it in this new era. Weve got you covered.Drug Management: With increased age often comes an increased number of prescriptions, and thats OK. Weve got tips for managing them all with ease.Maximizing Independence: You might need help with a few things in this next life stage, but you can still keep that independent spirit too. Well show you the ways.Mental Health: There are definitely more things to worry about as you add more candles to the cake. And there are just as many things if not more to be excited about. Well talk about the serious stuff and how to look for the good in healthy ways.Why Turning 65 Is More Than a NumberWhen you were preparing for college, the workforce, marriage, or parenthood, you probably did some goal setting. Why not do the same now?Whether youre close to retirement, have no plans to stop working because you enjoy being busy, or youre caring for parents and possibly adult children and grandkids, take time during your 65th year to set some new goals for the future near term and long term.Start by setting the tone for adventure in this milestone year: create a bucket list of places you want to go, people you want to visit, hobbies you want to rekindle or try for the first time, or volunteer/paid jobs youd like to do.Schedule time to make progress on these goals each week. You dont have to make a big trip across the ocean maybe start by checking out a travel club at the local Y, or coming to an ArchWell Health Center for line dancing, Jeopardy, or Zumba.Understanding MedicareTurning 65 does not mean you suddenly understand Medicare and all its tricky moving parts. We get it! Its confusing, and it changes a lot so well start with the basics.Part C Medicare/Medicare Advantage plans have to cover everything that the Original Medicare plan does. Most also include Part D coverage and extra benefits like vision and dental coverage. You must keep paying your Part B premium and, in some cases, an additional Medicare Advantage premium. Your premium is your monthly bill for health insurance.Private companies also offer Medicare supplement plans (aka Medigap plans). These help you pay for things Parts A and B dont cover, like extra costs that come in the form of copays and deductibles.How and when do you enroll or switch plans?Open enrollment begins on October 15th. During this period, you can sign up for a new Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medigap plan from the Medicare website. Peruse plans and when you find the one you like, simply click the enroll button.You can also enroll by calling a health plan directly. Prefer a paper form? Just ask your ArchWell Health provider. Make sure to get that form in before December 7th when open enrollment ends.How do you choose the right coverage?If youre happy with the coverage you have, you dont have to do anything else unless your Medicare Advantage, Medigap or Part D drug plan will no longer be available.If youre not happy or you want to shop around do these two things next.Step one: Review your current plans Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which comes in the mail in September. On the ANOC, youll find a list of:Any changes to costs like premiums, deductibles and copaysAny changes to the plans network of providers and pharmaciesAny changes to the plans drug list (formulary)If your Medicare plan is dropping your favorite doctor or health system, it might be time to find a new plan. Want a different provider? This is the time to find someone new. And if an expensive drug you take wont be covered anymore (or it moves to a higher level on the drug list, which makes the price go up), its time to consider a new plan.Step two: Visit the Medicare website. There, youll find a handy tool that lets you compare Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medigap plans in your area. Log in or enter your ZIP code, then choose the plan you want. You can study all the available options here too. With Medicare Advantage plans, youll see things like:The Medicare star rating, where 5 stars is the highest.The monthly premium and, good news! there are Medicare Advantage plans with $0 premiums.Total drug and premium costs (if youve entered your prescriptions).Other costs (like deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket costs).What extra benefits the plan includes.If youve logged in, you can even see a side-by-side comparison between your current plan and up to two others.Whats the difference between payer and provider?As you become more familiar with Medicare or if youve been around the healthcare block a few times youll probably hear terms like payers, providers and outcomes. Its important to know what these terms mean as you navigate Medicare.Insurance companies are the payers.Doctors, clinics, physical therapists, and centers like ArchWell Health are the providers.Choosing the right provider makes a difference when it comes to your healthcare experience and outcomes (positive results).Maybe you never paid much attention to your providers before: you were busy working, raising a family, or didnt know you had the opportunity to choose something or someone else. Now you know! And we encourage you for your 65th trip around the sun to prioritize your health by finding the right fit because your care matters.Planning Ahead: Legal, Financial and Lifestyle Planning TipsPlan now so you and your loved ones can have peace later. Many people put off things like writing a will or setting up advanced directives because they think I dont need that yet. But think of preparedness in terms of the whens, not the what ifs. Because ultimately, even if were turning 65 and see another 30 good years ahead of us, we all have to be ready for those moments.The beauty of planning ahead is that you can take your time, knocking out document after document in an orderly, unhurried way. Make sure you have a will, a power of attorney and healthcare proxy to make decisions for you if you become unable to do so, and draw up healthcare directives should the unthinkable happen.Set aside some time each month to look at retirement planning tools like retirement cost calculators, an estate planning checklist, or educational workshops and free legal clinics in your community. Working with a community or trusted partner can help you stay on track and get expert advice to reach your goals. They may also be able to point you in the direction of benefits and discounts available to those 65 and older.Read more about having successful conversations about care plans and how to keep your caregiving paperwork ducks in a row.Perks of Being 65 and WiserWho doesnt love free stuff? Check out this list of discounts and community-based resources to make 65 a banner year at a reduced rate, of course. Youve earned it!Get out and see the worldIts a great time to spread your wings or hit the trails and find new adventures without the high price tag. Here are a few notable offers:Travel by train and get 10% off rail fares through Amtrak.Prefer the bus? Greyhound offers 10% off for seniors too.Want to visit the National Parks across the US? A Senior Lifetime pass is $80, and an Annual Pass is $20.Car rentals: Hertz offers 20% off to those 50 and older, and other companies offer discounts to AARP members.Airline tickets: American Airlines and United both offer senior discounts. Check the website or ask customer service for more details as these may be limited to certain destinations.Stay close to home and save moneyWhether youre visiting the grandkids or looking to be a tourist in your own town, many movie theaters, restaurants, and museums offer senior discounts.Learn something new or study a subject youve always loved through discounted college courses or tuition free programs at universities near you.Want to work out at home for free, or at a local gym? Find out if your health plan participates with Silver Sneakers.Connect in the communityWhen youre not out seeing the world, stay plugged into your local neighborhood happenings through these senior-friendly resource hubs:AARP: The American Association of Retired Persons is still the top organization for all things aging and active older adults. Check out the website to see everything they have to offer for your later life decades.Local Senior Centers: Many cities and towns are still home to senior centers, which are supported by county-based AAAs (Area Agencies on Aging). Find the one closest to you to learn more.ArchWell Health centers: From friendly, caring providers who specialize in the care of seniors to vibrant community events, we have it all. Come visit us and say hello to a new era of wellness.ArchWell Health Celebrates YouWere all about celebrating our members every day birthday or not. Come with your Medicare questions, your nutrition challenges, or with an open mind to participate in our unique center activities focused on wellness for those 65 and up.About the AuthorJudith Ford, MD, Chief Clinical OfficerGrowing up with a father as a physician and a mother as a nurse, Judith Ford, a Medical Doctor (MD), has always had an interest in the medical field and caring for others. After attending college and medical school, she began practicing with a focus on taking care of older patients with complex conditions. With this mission in mind, the move to ArchWell Health was a natural fit. When not practicing medicine, shes spending time with her husband, Chris, and her children, Sara and Jane.

You have taken the first step. You created an estate plan. That is a great start.The problem? If your plan is sitting unsigned in your email inbox or lost in the back of a kitchen drawer, it is not doing your family any good.Even worse, if you used an online do-it-yourself form, your plan might not work when your loved ones need it the most. When it comes to protecting the people you love, a half-finished or one-size-fits-all plan just is not enough.The Risks of an Incomplete or Unsigned Estate PlanAn estate plan only works when it is complete and legally executed. That means it needs to be signed, witnessed, and stored properly. A plan sitting in your inbox is no better than no plan at all.If you pass away or become incapacitated and your documents are incomplete, your family may be forced to go through probate court or make difficult medical and financial decisions without guidance.Why Online Templates Rarely Work for Pennsylvania FamiliesOnline estate planning templates may seem convenient. However, these generic documents do not account for Pennsylvania laws, complex family situations, or unique asset structures. If you own a home, have children, or any significant savings, a one-size-fits-all plan can leave major gaps.For example, many online wills fail to address how assets will be distributed if a beneficiary passes away before you. Others do not include powers of attorney or healthcare directives. These are critical documents that protect you during your lifetime, not just after death.What Makes an Estate Plan ComprehensiveA complete estate plan includes more than just a will. It should reflect your values, your Familys needs, and your financial situation. Key components often include: A revocable living trust or will Durable financial power of attorney Healthcare power of attorney Advance healthcare directive or living will Guardianship nominations for minor children Clear instructions for asset distributionThis kind of planning ensures your wishes are honored, minimizes family conflict, and avoids unnecessary delays and costs in court. Real-Life Scenarios: When Things Go WrongImagine this: A mother leaves behind a will she created online but never signed. Her children are left scrambling in probate court, unsure of what she wanted and unprotected from legal fees and delays.Or consider a retired couple who thought they had everything covered, only to learn their do-it-yourself documents did not protect their home from Medicaid estate recovery. Now their children face losing the family house.These situations are real, and they are avoidable.How Entrusted Legacy Law Helps You Get It RightAt Entrusted Legacy Law, we believe estate planning should be simple, heart-centered, and tailored to your familys unique needs. We do not use scare tactics or wear suits. We work with you to create a plan that gives you peace of mind and protects your loved ones.We take the time to understand your story, explain your options, and walk you through every step. Our goal is to make sure your plan is more than just a document. We want it to actually work when your family needs it most.Your Family Deserves More Than a Half-Finished PlanYou only pass away once. Make sure your estate plan is signed, complete, and ready to Protect your loved ones when it counts.Your legacy deserves more than a forgotten file in a junk drawer.Schedule your free consultation today: https://book.entrustedlegacy.law/#/introcall  

If you have a child with special needs, your estate plan must be more than just a basic will. Leaving money directly to your child through a will or having no will at all can create serious problems. It may unintentionally disqualify them from important government assistance programs such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.Fortunately, there is a better way to plan for their future. A Supplemental Needs Trust allows your child to benefit from their inheritance without losing access to essential support services. It is a loving and responsible way to provide long-term care and financial protection.The Risk of Leaving Money Directly to a Special Needs ChildMany families believe that leaving assets directly to a child with special needs shows trust and love. However, doing so can disqualify the child from means-tested government programs. These programs often have strict income and asset limits. Inheriting money or property outright can push the child over those limits.Once benefits are lost, it can be difficult and time-consuming to requalify. Your good intentions could unintentionally cause more harm than good.What Is a Supplemental Needs TrustA Supplemental Needs Trust, sometimes called a Special Needs Trust, is a legal arrangement that holds and manages money for the benefit of a person with disabilities. The trust is designed so that the assets do not count against government benefit limits. The trust pays for things that government programs do not cover. This may include personal care attendants, out-of-pocket medical expenses, education, entertainment, or travel. It allows your child to maintain their quality of life while staying eligible for public assistance. Why a Will Alone Is Not EnoughA will simply directs how your assets should be distributed after your death. It does not offer protection if the beneficiary cannot manage the inheritance or if the gift may interfere with their government support.A Supplemental Needs Trust works alongside your estate plan to manage the funds responsibly. It ensures that money is used in the best interests of your child without disrupting their access to programs that provide medical care, housing, or food assistance. Key Benefits of Supplemental Needs Trust Protects eligibility for Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, and other services Provides funds for extra care, enrichment, and quality of life Appoints a trusted person as the trustee to manage the money Offers peace of mind that your child will be supported long-term The Importance of Planning AheadIt is never too early to put a plan in place for your childs future. Even if they are young or you believe they may become more independent later, a trust can offer flexibility and protection as circumstances change.Having a plan in place now ensures that decisions will not be left to chance. It also prevents court involvement or family conflict during difficult times.Let Us Help You Protect What Matters MostYour childs future deserves thoughtful and informed planning. At Entrusted Legacy Law, we help families create personalized estate plans that support their children without risking essential services.We understand how emotional and complex this planning can be. Our heart-centered approach means you will never feel rushed or confused. We are here to educate, support, and walk with you every step of the way.Schedule Your Free ConsultationYou do not need to navigate this alone. Schedule your free consultation with our caring legal team today and take the first step toward protecting your child and your legacy.https://book.entrustedlegacy.law/#/introcall