Golden Maturity Inc. 347-291-7479

LTC, Long Term Care Insurance are you prepared?

Most don't prep for LTC outlays

Sixty-five percent of Americans say they believe that long-term care planning is an important cost-saving action. But only 44% of them have started taking any steps to prepare for unanticipated costs, according to a new consumer study from Lincoln Financial.

A common mistake, according to read more

Medicare the new rules and time to enroll.

Medicare and our healthcare system are going through changes.

The baby boomers have arrived. Who ever thought when I'm 65 would come so soon.  Welcome to seniorville.  If they are already enrolled in Medicare, starting in 2011 they will be entitled to a free annual physical, as well as other preventive services.

Annual enrollment for Medicare for those already enrolled is from November 15^th through December 31.  Give yourself or your loved one plenty of time to review the new Medicare changes.  You can go to Medicare.gov to keep up with what is happening.  The new handbook is not listed on their site yet, however it will be sent out soon with a list of Evidence of Coverage listing their current plan coverage and what it costs and the Annual Notice of Change which lists changes to the plan for the coming year, beginning January 1, 2011. Seniors really need to pay attention to this as the ability to change plans when ever they please is not an option.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

is a need-based aid program designed to provide a supplemental income to aged, blind, or disabled individuals with low levels of monthly income and other financial assets.  To read more about supplemental Security Income https://socialsecurity-disability.org/

Star Exemption and enhanced star deadline 3-15-2010

If you are not yet a senior and do not have children living with you in your owner occupied home you may be entitled to a discount on your real estate taxes.  In addition if you are a senior age 65 living in an owner occupied dwelling you may be entitled to a discount.  You must request the discount by March 15, 2010.  I have attached the form needed and an explanation sheet.   This is good for the 5 boroughs of NYC, check with the tax assessor's office in other areas for available discounts.   Download Star_faq_english  

Download Star exemption_abatement

5 things you need to know about Identity Theft

1. Make copies of the front and back of your credit cards.  This will allow you to have information readily available to call and cancel your cards.
2. Call the three main credit bureaus and put out a fraud alert.                                                                                                                                                                                              1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285  
   
   2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
   
   3.) Trans Union : 1-800-680 7289                                                                                                      
   
3. Call the Social Security Administration (fraud line)  1-800-269-0271
4. File a police report
5. Do not sign the back of your credit cards, write SHOW PHOTO ID
   
   Bonus Do not carry your social security number around

If one of your creditors calls you with a fraud alert asking questions get the card name and call back to the number on your statement.  You need to make sure you talk to someone from that company.  When someone calls you from the outside they could be anyone, including someone fishing for information.

My wish is that identity theft never touch your life, as it is a very painful experience.  Please feell free to comment and add any suggestions.   Thank you