What types of financial resources are available to help seniors pay for long-term care? My 86-year-old parent will need an assisted living facility or nursing home care in the near future, but has savings that are minimal and does not hold a long-term care insurance policy.

The cost of assisted living and nursing home care in the U.S. is very expensive. According to the Genworth cost of care survey tool, the national median cost for an assisted living facility is over $4,600 per month, while nursing home care runs more than $8,100 per month for a semi-private room. Prices will vary depending on if your parent stays in a private or semi-private room. You can search for the costs of assisted living and nursing home care in your area on your favorite web browser.

Most people pay for long-term care (LTC), which encompasses assisted living, nursing home and in-home care, with personal funds, government programs or insurance. If someone is lacking in savings and has no LTC insurance to cover costs, here are the best options to look for funding.

Medicaid: Medicare is the government run health insurance program for individuals ages 65 and older and is available for individuals with disabilities. The first thing you need to know is that Medicare does not cover long-term care. It provides limited short-term coverage, up to 100 days for skilled nursing or rehabilitation services, but only after a three-day hospital stay.

Medicaid is the joint federal and state program that covers health care for individuals with limited finances. This program does cover nursing home and in-home care. To be eligible for coverage, the individual must have very low-income and not more than $2,000 in countable assets, including investments. (Note that most people who enter a nursing home do not qualify for Medicaid at first but pay for care out-of-pocket until they deplete their savings enough to qualify.)

There are also many states that now have Medicaid waiver programs that can help pay for assisted living. To get more information on Medicaid coverage and eligibility, call your state Medicaid office or visit the Medicaid website at MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org.

Veterans Benefits: If your parent is a U.S. veteran, or a spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran, there is a benefit called Aid and Attendance that can help pay for long-term care.

To be eligible, an individual must need assistance with daily living activities like bathing, dressing or going to the bathroom. Annual income must be under $15,816 as a surviving spouse, or $24,610 for a single veteran, after medical and long-term care expenses. Assets must also be less than $138,489, excluding a home and one car.

To learn more, see VA.gov/geriatrics, or contact your regional VA office, or your local veterans service organization by calling (800) 827-1000 for contact information.

Life insurance: If your parent has a life insurance policy, find out if it offers an accelerated death benefit because that would allow a tax-free advance to help pay for care.

In the alternate, an individual may consider selling the policy to a life settlement company. These are companies that buy life insurance policies for cash, continue to pay the premiums and collect the death benefit. Most sellers generally get four to eight times more than the policy cash surrender value.

If your parent owns a policy with a face value of $100,000 or more and is interested in this option, get quotes from several brokers or life settlement providers. To locate some, use the Life Insurance Settlement Association member directory at LISA.org.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

As you approach end-of-life decisions, there are several steps that should be taken to make sure you receive the right type and level of care. To assist you in these decisions, most states now permit either an advance directive or a living will. Some seriously-ill persons also have a doctor sign a Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST). These documents are designed to assist your family and doctors in making the decisions according to your preferences.

Senior Medical Planning

There are three important background areas that you should learn about before entering into senior medical care. These are the medical oath and principles of your care providers, the rules created by Congress to ensure your medical information is protected and the decisions by your state on the specific document that you use to convey your wishes.

Doctors will frequently follow a set of principles that were originally called the Hippocratic Oath. The first oath was written by Hippocrates, a Greek doctor who is considered the father of modern medicine.

A modern version of the Hippocratic Oath typically states, "To practice and prescribe to the best of my ability for the good of my patients." Following this principle, your doctor will attempt to restore you to good health.

Because of modern improvements in medicine, it is possible to prolong your life through the use of ventilators, intravenous feeding and other devices. While you certainly want your doctors and nurses to provide very good care, you may also need to offer some guidance on how extensively your family and doctors should use modern technology to prolong your life.

A second major area for you to understand is called HIPAA. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was passed by Congress in 1996. It is designed to provide protection for you and to keep your health information private.

Under the HIPAA rules, you have the right to see your health records, but you must give written permission before your records are released to other individuals. The information provided by doctors or nurses about your care, medications or other personal information is protected. However, you will want to be certain that your designated healthcare proxy (the person who will assist in making healthcare decisions) has the right to review these records. You should sign a HIPAA release form in order to enable your advisors to give proper recommendations to your doctors and nurses.

Finally, you must understand the specific documents of your state. Some states use an advance directive in which you choose a combination of a durable power of attorney for healthcare and a living will. Other states have separate documents. It is very important that you use the appropriate document tailored for the laws of your state.

The Advance Directive

Your first key advisor is the person who will make your medical decisions if you are incapacitated. This individual is frequently called the healthcare proxy. He or she is your agent and holds your durable power of attorney for healthcare. Normally, you will select primary and secondary persons as your healthcare proxy agent.

You will want to list the persons, their addresses and phone numbers so they can be easily contacted. Your secondary healthcare proxy will assume the primary role if the first person is unable or unwilling to serve.

Part of your advance directive will also explain the level of authority that you have given. Your healthcare proxy usually does not have the authority to make decisions unless, in the view of your doctor, you are no longer able to make decisions yourself. However, many forms allow you to sign and empower that person immediately. The authority of your healthcare proxy may also extend after you pass away so that he or she can make appropriate decisions at that time.

Your healthcare proxy may be called upon to make significant decisions for your care. For example, it may be necessary to decide whether or not to use morphine or other types of pain medication. If the decision is to make use of morphine, then a second decision will be made on the use of a low dose or a high dose. With a lower dose of morphine or other types of pain medication, you may have greater clarity of mind but may be less comfortable. If you receive higher doses of medication, you may not be as clear-headed, even though you are at a higher comfort level. These decisions can only be made based on your condition at a given time, but they do directly impact the quality of your life in that circumstance.

A healthcare proxy may also be called upon to make very significant decisions about the hospital, nursing home or other care facility and the level of treatment. For example, some seniors have suffered broken hips or limbs at a time when their demise was near. A healthcare proxy will need to make decisions about the appropriate level of care or treatment under those circumstances.

A second section of an advance directive allows you to give counsel on the level of measures and technology that will be used to prolong your life. If you have an incurable or irreversible condition that will result in your death within a relatively short time, there are medical devices that can significantly prolong your life.

These are sometimes referred to as "heroic measures." If you desire all reasonable measures to be taken, you can generally request that care. If you do so, your life may be extended to the greatest extent possible under "generally accepted healthcare standards."

Your healthcare guidelines expressed in your advance directive will discuss your preferred level of nutrition and hydration. If you prefer to receive nutrition and hydration through intravenous methods, you may specifically request those options.

It is helpful for medical providers to have some level of direction for your pain management. If you prefer a higher level of pain management even though that gives you less clarity of thought, you may so indicate.

A third, fairly typical section of the advance directive covers donation of organs and designation of your primary doctor. If you would like to donate specific organs or designate specific purposes for the use of your body, you may identify the particular organs or discuss purposes. Common purposes include transplantation, therapy, research and education.

Advance directives and living wills may, under state law, be witnessed in a manner similar to the witnessing of your will. Some states require two witnesses or a notary to witness your advance directive. Check with your state law to make certain that you have complied with those requirements. A helpful website with state law requirements is caringinfo.org. It is maintained by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and seeks to improve care at the end of life.

Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

A Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is a medical order signed by your doctor or a medical staff person as authorized under your state law. While the name and provisions may be different in some states, the POLST option is generally available nationwide. If you have a serious illness or may pass away within one year, you may want to ask your doctor to sign this medical order.

The POLST typically covers cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), medical interventions and nutrition. You may choose to have CPR or select "Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)." Your medical interventions may include full treatment to prolong your life, selective treatment that avoids burdensome procedures or comfort-focused treatment. Nutrition can be maintained long-term with feeding tubes, for a trial period or you may select no artificial means of nutrition.

All of these decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor. Both your doctor and you or your healthcare proxy must sign the POLST. Your POLST may reflect your values, religious beliefs and goals for care.

Even if you have a POLST signed by your healthcare provider, you still need an advance directive. The advance directive appoints your healthcare proxy (primary and secondary) and covers many medical circumstances not covered by the POLST. Everyone should sign an advance directive, while those who are seriously ill may benefit from a POLST.

Action Steps

After completing your living will or advance directive, you will sign and typically have witnesses for your original document. Prepare several copies of your advance directive. You will want to give a copy to your healthcare agent, your family, clergy, your doctors and other advisors who may be involved in assisting with your medical decisions.

At any time you may revoke the living will or advance directive. It generally is best to revoke the entire document and complete a new document. If you attempt to amend different parts of the advance directive, there is a risk that you may sign provisions that conflict or are inconsistent. If you are in need of urgent care or treatment, you do not want any conflicting provisions in your living will or advance directive.

Your living will or advance directive is a very important part of your personal planning. It is designed to help you receive the best possible care at the end of your life and still comply to the greatest extent with your personal healthcare preferences.

My old 3G flip phone is about to become obsolete so I am looking for the cheapest possible replacement. I only need a simple cell phone for emergency calls when I am away from home. What are my best options?

For many seniors who want a basic cell phone for emergency purposes and occasional calls, there are a number of inexpensive plans available from smaller wireless providers. Here are some of the best deals available right now.

Cheapest Basic Plans

For extremely light cell phone users, the cheapest wireless plan available is through US Mobile, which has a "build your own plan" that starts at only $2 per month for 75 minutes of talk time. If you want text messaging capabilities, an extra $1.50/month will buy you 50 texts per month.

US Mobile runs on Verizon and T-Mobile networks and gives you the option to bring your existing phone (if compatible or unlocked) or you can purchase a new device. You may keep your same phone number if you wish.

If your flip phone is becoming obsolete, you will need to buy a new device, which you can do through US Mobile if you choose their plan. They offer the "NUU F4L" flip phone for $39 for new customers or you can purchase an unlocked phone through several retail stores or online.

Some other inexpensive wireless plans are Ultra Mobile's "PayGo" plan, which provides 100 talk minutes and 100 texts for only $3 per month. There is also Tello's "build your own plan" that starts at $5 per month for 100 talk minutes and unlimited texting.

Both Ultra Mobile PayGo and Tello also run on T-Mobile's network and will let you use your existing phone (if compatible or unlocked) or you can buy a new one.

Senior Targeted Providers

In addition to these plans, there are several other wireless companies that cater to older customers and offer low-cost basic plans and simple flip phones. One of the least expensive is through TracFone, which offers a 60-minute talk, text and web plan for $20 that lasts for 90 days. That averages out to $6.66 per month.

Three other providers that are popular among seniors are Snapfon, which offers 100 minutes and unlimited texting plan for $10. Consumer Cellular, which provides an unlimited talk plan for $15 per month. They also give a 5% discount to AARP members. And Lively, maker of the popular Jitterbug Flip2 senior-friendly flip phone. Their cheapest monthly plan is 300 minutes of talk and text for $15.

Subsidized Plans

If you are on a government program such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, receive food stamps/SNAP, or your annual household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines – $18,347 for one person, or $24,719 for two – you might qualify for free or subsidized wireless plans from various carriers via the federal Lifeline program. Go online and use your favorite search engine to find out if you are eligible for a subsidized plan.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

In July 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published Fact Sheet 2022-33. This IRS publication is designed to assist taxpayers in knowing whether an individual who contacts them is from the IRS or is a fraudster.

The IRS is concerned because there are continuing phone, text, email, and in-person scams taking place. The IRS emphasizes that it normally sends a letter or written notice to a taxpayer and generally does not initiate contact through phone, text or email.

With a growing number of fraudsters and scammers seeking to locate victims, it is important for individuals to be able to separate legitimate IRS staff from imposters. All taxpayers should understand basic ways to protect themselves from fraudulent text messages, emails, phone contacts, or in-person visits.

1. Text Messages — The IRS does not send text messages to individuals with shortened links. The scammers will frequently send a text message that includes a bogus link. If you receive an unexpected text, you should NOT click on links or open attachments.
If you do receive a suspicious text message, you should send a screen shot of it as an attachment to

phishing@irs.gov.

1. Email Scams — The IRS does not ask for personal or financial information with an initial contact by email. The standard IRS contact will be through several letters by regular mail. The suspicious email should also be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov. There is a "Report Phishing and Online Scams" page on IRS.gov with specific instructions.
2. Individuals Who Owe Tax — If you owe tax to the IRS, you can expect to receive several letters prior to a phone call. The IRS may follow up the letters with a phone call if you have an overdue tax bill, a delinquent tax return or have failed to make an unemployment tax deposit. The IRS emphasizes it will not demand immediate payment with a debit card or gift card, will not threaten you with arrest by the local police, will not demand tax payments without giving you an opportunity to appeal the claim and will not ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone. These strategies all indicate you are talking with a scammer.
3. IRS Agent In-Person Visits — Generally, IRS officers only make visits after you have received several notices by mail. The IRS Revenue Agent may make a visit for the purpose of education, investigation and appropriate enforcement steps. IRS auditors also may mail an initial appointment letter and generally will call and confirm the date prior to a scheduled audit appointment. If you have an in-person visit with an IRS representative, you should always ask for his or her credentials and HSPD-12 card. This is a standard government form of identification.
4. Resolving Tax Issues — On IRS.gov, there are several helpful sections that may assist taxpayers in creating payment plans. You can pay taxes through the Online Account with IRS Direct Pay or with your debit or credit card. There are individuals who may qualify for a payment plan or an Offer in Compromise. The IRS again emphasizes it will not demand immediate payment, will not ask for credit or debit card numbers, will not threaten to have you arrested by local police and will always offer an opportunity to appeal. An IRS Appeals Officer may review your case prior to any further action.

Editor's Note: Fraudsters and scammers continue to become more sophisticated. Many of them build a relationship with the victim through multiple emails or phone calls prior to taking action to complete a fraud. Individuals should be careful if they are in the midst of multiple contacts with a fraudster or scammer who claims to be from the IRS.

A family letter is a key part of a good estate plan. It is much more personal than many of your estate documents. A family letter allows you to share your heart and show appreciation and gratitude to family members. During a time when family members are grieving, it also helps them to complete many practical steps to protect your property.

The family letter may have up to ten different sections. Each section will cover an important but separate topic.

Estate Data

Your estate organizer usually has four parts. It will explain the family names and key information, identify your attorney, CPA and other financial and health advisors, cover all of your assets and financial information and outline your estate planning choices.

The estate organizer may be printed or you may use an online version. Your family letter should explain where the information is located. If you are using an online estate planner, it's important for your personal representative to know your account name and password so the information will be available.

Important Documents

Your important documents will generally be safeguarded in three different ways. First, many individuals have a safe deposit box. The safe deposit box typically holds birth certificates, death certificates, degrees and other legal agreements, marriage or divorce documents, military discharge records, property deeds, a personal property inventory, stock and bond certificates and vehicle titles.

Second, you may have a fireproof box at home. This box will frequently include your insurance policies, your living will, medical power of attorney or advance directive, trust documents and your will.

Third, there are some items that should be left with your attorney, friend, agent or another trusted person. These are items that may be needed while you are still living or will be necessary very soon after you pass away. These documents (or copies of documents) could include your financial power of attorney, a durable power of attorney for healthcare or advance directive, your living will, trusts and your will.

Accounts and Passwords

Because an increasing number of records and information are retained online in personal accounts, you will want to be certain that your personal letter lists all accounts. You may decide to include passwords with the personal letter. Alternatively, if you are entrusting all of this information to a specific person or other location, that should be identified.

With the rapid movement to online banking, online mutual funds and securities accounts, donor advised fund accounts, health savings accounts and your email accounts, you may have six to 10 accounts with various passwords. It will be important to have all of this information recorded.

Your Family History

While your estate organizer will include basic information about you and your family members, there is an excellent opportunity in your family letter to discuss your family history. This can include a few short paragraphs that give the names and background of your parents. List all of their children or other key relatives in your family. Your history may discuss marriages, divorces and any blended family relationships. Finally, the family history will show the date of death for persons who have passed away.

Family history can include discussions of your activities, interests and career. It enables all of your extended family to have a good picture of your entire life.

Care for Children, Grandchildren or Pets

If you are responsible for any children, grandchildren or pets, this is an opportunity for you to explain your plan for their care. While your estate planning documents will normally appoint guardians for your children or grandchildren who are under your care, it still may be beneficial for the guardian to receive recommendations from you on their education and other areas of development that you understand very well. If someone is to care for pets, you may have recommendations on the way in which that is done.

Memberships

You may have memberships in a number of organizations. Some memberships, such as for a country club or club that purchases sporting event tickets, are transferable to heirs. It would be helpful to your family for you to list any memberships that you have so they can handle them properly.

Care of Your Body

When you pass away, your body may be in the custody of a medical center or nursing home. If you have previously decided to make any organ donations, it is helpful to explain that decision in your family letter. The requirements for making organ donations are typically covered under state law. In many cases, decisions on organ donations are made when you sign your living will or advance medical directive.

Funeral or Memorial Services

The cost of many funerals now exceeds $10,000. If you would like to assist family members in the decisions surrounding your funeral or memorial service, the family letter is an excellent way to do so.

First, your family will need to decide whether to have a burial in a cemetery with a casket or to use cremation services and an urn. You may have personal or religious reasons for preferring one or the other.

With a casket and burial in a cemetery, your family will generally make use of a funeral home. Because there now is significant competition in the industry, funeral homes are starting to offer advance prices and package services. If you desire a specific range of services, type of casket or prefer not to be embalmed, those directions are helpful to your family.

There are funeral consumers' alliances in many locations. Your family may find assistance and guidance on www.funerals.org. This guidance may help them make good decisions during a very difficult time in the midst of grief over your loss.

If you are a veteran, your family may want to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs. You may qualify for a gravesite at no cost in one of the 155 national cemeteries for veterans and their spouses.

Obituary

In your funeral or memorial service, there will be eulogies. It is also customary to have a printed description of your lifetime. This will frequently include your basic history, awards, achievements, military service and lifetime employment. If you have specific requests for information to be included in the obituary, it is helpful to your family to give them guidance. You may have certain principles or values that are important to you that you would like to share through the obituary. This is an opportunity for you to communicate your values to the public.

Final Words and Blessings for Family

Your family letter may conclude with a word of blessing. It is a tradition in many cultures for the elders to provide a blessing for the next generation. This is frequently done when the elder is still living, but certainly your family letter provides a similar way to bless your children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and other family members.

Your final words of wisdom and blessing for family members will be of great comfort as they grieve your loss. It is an appropriate and fitting way to conclude your family letter.

How do I go about selling pre-purchased burial plots in my hometown cemetery? How can I best accomplish this?

Life changes such as relocating, divorce, along with the growing popularity of cremation in the U.S. is causing more and more people to sell previously purchased burial plots they do not intend to use. Depending on where you live and the location of the cemetery, selling a plot can be difficult. If you do decide to sell, you will most likely get less than what you initially paid for it. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Contact the cemetery: Your first step in selling your unwanted burial plots is to contact the cemetery and find out if they would be interested in buying them back, or if you are allowed to sell them yourself to another person or family. If you are permitted to sell it you can ask what paperwork will you need to complete the sale and find out if there transfer fees. Note that some states require sellers to offer the plot back to the cemetery before selling it to others.

Selling options: If you find that it is permitted to sell your plots yourself, many people choose to use a broker. There are a number of companies that will list your plots for sale and handle the transaction for a fee or commission. If you go this route, you will need to sign paperwork, giving the broker permission to work on your behalf. Listings typically last up to three years or until the plots sell.

Alternatively, or simultaneously, you yourself can also list the plots on seller marketplace type websites and handle the transaction yourself. In the advertisement listing, be sure to post pictures, describe the area where the cemetery is located and give the plot locations.

What to ask: Appropriate pricing is key to selling your plots. It is recommended that you find out what the cemetery is selling their plots for today and offer your plots for a discounted price. If you are pricing too close to what the cemetery charges, there is no incentive for potential buyers from you.

Beware of scammers: If you choose to sell your plots yourself, it is not unusual for scammers to reach out and try to get your personal financial information. Phone calls tend to be more genuine than emails and text messages.

Donate them: If you do not have any luck selling your plots and money is not an issue, another alternative solution is to donate them to charity such as a religious congregation, a local veteran's group or an organization that aids the homeless. To get a tax deduction, you will likely need a qualified appraisal, which a cemetery or broker may supply for a fee.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

I read an article about online tools that can help people search for lost or forgotten money left behind by their deceased relatives, can you help explain more?

Forgotten or lost money is very common in the United States. According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, there are billions of dollars in unclaimed funds sitting in state treasuries and other agencies waiting to be claimed.

These unclaimed funds are either from accounts that are inactive or whose owners or heirs cannot be located. Unclaimed funds can include lost or forgotten saving or checking accounts, stocks, utility security deposits, tax refunds, life insurance policy proceeds, uncashed dividend checks, matured savings bonds and much more.

This typically happens because the owner changed their address or name, the owner died and the estate was unaware of the money or the heirs could not be located. By law, companies and financial institutions that cannot find the owner or their next of kin within two to five years must turn the property over to the state where it is held indefinitely.

Where to Search

About 10% of all Americans have some unclaimed money waiting to be found, so it is very possible you have some too. To start your search, go to Unclaimed.org, which has links to all state programs that will let you do a state benefits search online for free.

Be sure to check every state in which you have lived, worked or did business. Also, make sure to check under your maiden name (if applicable), and if you have a frequently misspelled name, search those misspellings too. Using a first initial and last name is also encouraged to make sure everything comes up. Every state can tell you immediately if unclaimed money exists, as well as how to go about collecting it.

Look Here Too

In addition to state treasuries, here are additional resources that can help you look for unclaimed money that may have been overlooked.

Forgotten retirement benefits: To search for lost or forgotten 401(k) funds your parent may have left behind with an old employer, use the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits website. To search for lost pension benefits, use the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation trusteed plan search tool at PBGC.gov/search-trusteed-plans.

Lost life insurance: To track down a lost or forgotten life insurance policy, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, an insurance regulatory support organization, offers a free policy locator service.

Unredeemed savings bonds: It is very common for people to lose track of U.S. saving bonds because they are often given to children as gifts, then forgotten before the bonds reach maturity. The U.S. Department of the Treasury provides an online search tool at TreasuryHunt.gov for finding matured, uncashed savings bonds over 30 years old and no longer earning interest.

Federal tax refunds: Each year thousands of refund checks totaling millions of dollars are returned to the IRS by the post office. To look for lost Federal tax refund checks go to IRS.gov/refunds or call 800-829-1954.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.