Sunday, December 29, 2019

Top Retirement Posts in 2019 - Health, Dementia and Money on Minds of Retirees

At the end of each year, we look back at the posts on this retirement blog which received the most interest from readers.  It is always fascinating to see which topics dominated the attention of Baby Boomers and other retirees.  This year, it was very clear that readers were primarily interested in articles dealing with health, healthcare, dementia and money.  The articles listed here were read several times as often as the typical article on this blog in 2019.

Below is a list of the top ten articles of the year, starting with the most popular article at the top.  To read the full articles, simply click on the titles.

The Affordable Care Act 2020 - Are You Eligible for the ACA? - This article received more attention than any other article this year, and five times the number of views of some of the typical post.  Clearly, thousands of readers were interested in learning how to get more information on the Affordable Care Act and find out whether or not they are qualified to get a reduction in health insurance premiums.  Finding affordable healthcare is a very important issue, especially for readers who are approaching retirement, but are not old enough, yet, for Medicare.

Shocking Financial Facts about Retirement - Many people who have not retired yet will be shocked to learn that it is likely they will need to continue to work AFTER retirement, that they will need to save more money before retirement, and that they need to be financially prepared to live another two to three decades.  These are just some of the shocking facts revealed in this article.

The American Blue Zone Lifestyle Could Help You Live a Longer, Happier Life - This article will surprise many readers who believe that the only people who commonly live to be over 100 years old are those who live in faraway, exotic locations.  In fact, a suburb of Los Angeles, California is occupied by a group of people who routinely live long, healthy, active lives well into their 90s and, often, until they are over age 100.  Learn how this community became one of the world's Blue Zones of long life, despite being located on the smoggy, inland side of Los Angeles.

Retired Women: Were You Prepared? What Would You Have Changed? - This article was an opportunity for my female readers to get involved in a project to help researchers who are working on a book designed specifically for women who have not yet retired.  These researchers hope to spare some younger women from the difficulties experienced by women who are already retired.  A number of my readers submitted their experiences, which will eventually be shared in the book these women are writing.

Protect Yourself from the Deadly Flu Virus - Avoid Death from this Serious Disease - During the winter of 2017-2018, approximately 80,000 people in the United States died of the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  More than 12,000 of them were over the age of 65. This year, thousands more have already died of the flu. This article goes into detail about the importance of getting the flu vaccine, as well as other ways to lower your risk of getting the flu.

Marijuana, Brain Health, and Alzheimers Disease - What impact does marijuana use have on your brain?  This article covers the benefits and risks, and they can be quite different for senior citizens and adolescents.  Could marijuana even slow down the development of Alzheimer's Disease?  Perhaps.  Learn more in this interesting article.

Low Investment Costs on Retirement Funds Can Save You Money - This article explains when it is a good idea to hire a financial advisor, and when you can save money by investing your savings directly in a low-cost or no-cost mutual fund, without the services of an advisor.  You should get help when you need it, but why spend money unnecessarily?

Reduce Alzheimers and Other Dementia Risks - You Can Protect Your Brain Health -  Learn about the Four Pillars of Brain Health and how you can easily incorporate them into your lifestyle.  While there is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease or most other forms of dementia, there are lifestyle changes you can make which will reduce your risk.  No one wants to lose their memories as their age, so learn how you can protect your brain.

Responsible Computer Use After Retirement - Safety and Netiquette - If you are retired, are you spending your days sending out annoying emails to everyone on your contact list?  Do you put yourself at risk by failing to protect your privacy?  Learn how to use your computer responsibly, save your friendships, and protect yourself.

Dementia and Alzheimers Disease - Shocking Research from UCI - MIND - Based on a 2019 speech by the chairman of the University of California in Irvine's MIND program, this post goes into detail on the latest research on a wide range of topics related to dementia, including the status of their attempts to find a treatment, the financial impact on families, and the toll it takes on caregivers.  Since nearly every family with older members could eventually be impacted by this heartbreaking disease, this article could prove helpful to many people.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.  

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning for retirement, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare, common medical issues as you age, and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the article:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Affordable Care Act Website 

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Save Money with Free Stuff - 10 Ideas to Help You Out

We all enjoy getting a freebie once in a while.  It is a great way to enjoy our lives while making our money go further. In some cases, getting something for free can even improve our health and the quality of our lives.  Whether we look forward to free stuff simply for entertainment, or whether we seek these benefits in order to maintain our health, there is sure to be something in the list below which will benefit you.

Check out these items and add your own ideas in the comments section.  Then, send this list to anyone you know who might benefit from some free stuff, too!

Free shopping at farmers' markets:  As of 2019, if you are a single person with an income under $23,000, or you live in a two-person household with an income under $31,000 (which applies to many retired couples), you can get free coupons from the federal government which can be used at authorized farm stands and farmers' markets.   Many young couples and retirees qualify for these benefits.  You can get the coupons by logging onto fns.usda.gov.  Click on Programs at the top of the page; then select Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program from the drop-down menu.  While taking advantage of the farmers' market, don't forget to also contact your local food bank for additional food to help you have a balanced diet.  (If you qualify for the farmers' market coupons, you might also talk to the Social Security office or your local Social Services office to see what other programs you may qualify for, such as SNAP food stamps, SSI, or housing vouchers).

Free rewards at franchises:  A number of franchises will give you free treats when you sign up for their rewards program.  You can earn credits towards beverages at Starbucks and other special offers at places like Baskin-Robbins or Golden Spoon.  If you patronize these places anyway, you might as well take advantage of any freebies they offer.

Free Meals for Youngsters in the Family  - Whenever you want to take your children or grandchildren out to eat, you can find a list of places where kids eat free with a paying adult at WalletHacks.com/kids-eat-free.  They have a list of over 100 places, including Carrows, Holiday Inn (while you are staying there), IHOP, Steak 'n Shake, and more.  Some restrictions apply, and many places only have the deal on certain nights of the week.  While you are at it, if you are eligible, never forget to ask for the senior discount when you are eating out.  Many restaurants offer it, but only if you ask.

Free Cancer Screenings - If you are like many people who are not old enough yet for Medicare, you may not have good health insurance.  The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program offers low income and under-insured women free screenings for breast and cervical cancer.  To find out if you qualify or to locate a provider, go to cdc.gov/cancer.  Then, click on National Programs.

Free Dental Care - Sadly, at this time most Medicare plans and other private insurance plans do not cover dental care.  Some plans may offer a discount, but treatments can still be quite expensive.  If you cannot afford the care you need, go to DentalLifeline.org.  They have a network of dentists who offer donated dental care for the elderly, disabled, medically fragile and other people who cannot afford dental care. The eligibility requirements vary by state.

Free Home Weatherization - Are high utility bills preventing you from being comfortable in your own home?  If you receive SSI or have a low income, you may qualify for the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program which will cover the cost of making your home more energy efficient.  Eligibility varies by state, but if your utility bills are getting you down, see if you qualify at Benefits.gov/benefit/580.  Being able to run your heat and stay comfortable in the winter can be life saving.

Free Credit Monitoring - With identity theft occurring constantly, it is highly likely that almost everyone has had their identity stolen at some point in the past few years.  Credit card companies, insurance companies, department stores and Facebook have all been hacked, and the personal information of hundreds of millions of people has been stolen.  There are several free sites which will monitor your credit score at no cost and let you know if anything changes.  Check out sites like WalletHub.com, CreditSesame.com and CreditKarma.com.  I personally use Credit Karma, and have been very pleased with their service.

Free Legal Services - We all need legal advice from time to time, including people who have questions about their Social Security and Medicare.  If you have legal questions, but do not feel you can afford an attorney, click on ElderCare.acl.gov to locate legal aid in your area.

Free Repair Coaching for small appliances - Do you have a lamp or small appliance that has stopped working, and you really can't afford to replace it?  About once a month, Repair Cafe holds free events to teach you how to fix your own things.  You can find out if there is an event near you at RepairCafe.org/en/visit.  If you can't find an event near you, then go to Fixya.com to get advice from experts on how to fix all kinds of things.  Don't forget to look up YouTube videos, too. Our daughter has learned how to replace the headlights on her car and make other small repairs by watching YouTube. You could save yourself a lot of money by doing a little research.  

All kinds of free stuff - Twice a year, my community has a free goods exchange.  You can bring whatever you want to donate to this exchange and, for five hours, you can take away all the items you would like to have.  Anything left over at the end of the day is hauled off by Goodwill.  My grandkids have gone to the exchange and found little gifts to give their friends, nick-knacks for their rooms, books, CDs, DVDs, and even a couple of jackets. I have often seen electronic equipment, small items of furniture, small appliances, dishes, and more.  It's perfect if you have a young adult in your family who is setting up their first apartment.  If you want to find a similar free goods exchange in your area, go to Freecycle.org.

Finally, if you want to find even more free stuff, you may want to get the book, "How to Get Free Stuff: The Ultimate Guide for Getting Good Things for Free."  (Ad) This paperback book will help you take advantage of even more opportunities.   This is a great way to find free gifts for yourself and others, too!

The bottom line is that you should look for free services and items in your community.  There may be local websites which allow people to list things they are giving away online.  You may be able to pick up free books from a special bin at your neighborhood library, or your local senior center may give away free day-old bakery goods.  Keep your eyes open for ways to make your dollars stretch.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.  

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning for retirement, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare, common medical issues as you age, and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the article:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Pixabay

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Prevent Dementia from Head Trauma - Protect Your Brain!

One serious cause of dementia, which is frequently overlooked and can often be avoided, is head trauma.  Although it may already be too late to go back and change things if someone has suffered a past concussion while playing sports or as a result of a car accident, it isn't too late to take measures to avoid future brain damage. Even if you have experienced a concussion in the past, you still need to do everything possible to prevent another one in the future.  The more concussions you have in a lifetime, the higher your risk of dementia caused by brain trauma.

Your first steps in avoiding brain trauma are to get a check-up from your doctor, and then take a close look at your home. Below are the things you need to evaluate in order to lower your risk of falling.  In this way, you can reduce your risk of brain trauma and a major cause of dementia.

Check Your Physical Health

Get your eyes checked - Ignoring vision problems could put you at increased risk of tripping and falling, or banging your head on something you did not see because of limited peripheral vision.

Get treated for episodes of vertigo - Some medications may cause vertigo or dizziness. It can also be caused by vision problems and other health conditions.  Discuss these episodes with your physician, especially if they have caused you to fall or nearly fall.

Ask your doctor about medication related health problems - In addition to vertigo, some medications may cause sleepiness, nausea, sleep walking, sudden drops in blood pressure, muscle weakness, dehydration, and other conditions which could make you more prone to falling.  If a medication is causing uncomfortable side effects, check with your doctor to see if it can be changed.

Take a fall prevention class - Weak muscles and poor balance can often be improved when seniors take classes designed to improve their sense of balance.  People who have strong muscles are also more likely to be able to catch themselves when they stumble, thereby preventing a fall.  Many senior centers and city recreation departments offer these types of classes for senior citizens.  Not only could a class like this prevent brain trauma, it could also protect you from breaking a hip or other bone.

Get regular exercise - In addition to a fall prevention class, it is important that you walk regularly, and get other forms of exercise, including strength and flexibility training. Being strong and flexible will also help you stay on your feet when you trip. Practice lifting your feet a little when you walk.  One cause of tripping is the tendency to barely lift our feet above the surface as we age. This can cause us to trip over even tiny imperfections in a sidewalk or other surface.

Wear the right shoes - If you have neuropathy in your feet, it could lead to a fall. Talk to your doctor about any possible causes or treatments for your neuropathy. Other foot problems, including wearing the wrong shoes, could also cause you problems.  One precaution you can take is to wear suitable shoes which are non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled and lace-up.  Make sure they fully support your feet.

Use recommended walking devices - Whether your physician suggests you use a cane or a walker, it is important to take advantage of these tools.  Many people fall because they are too proud to let others see them use one of these devices.  However, it is better to lose your pride, than fall and damage your brain, hip or other part of your body.

Check Your Home for Hazards

Once you know that you have done as much as possible to maintain your physical health, you then need to make sure your home is safe.  Look around carefully and ask yourself the following questions as you walk around.

Throughout your home - Are the main areas of your home free from extension cords and rugs which could trip you?  Are the rooms well lit?  Is it easy to find the light switch if you enter a room after dark?

Kitchen - Can you reach your dishes and other items you use regularly without standing on a stool? If you ever need to use a stool to stand on, do you have a sturdy one which is safe and solid?

Bedroom -  Are your phone, lamp and alarm clock easy to reach so you do not have to jump out of bed in the dark?  Do you have a nightlight which makes it easier to find your way to the bathroom in the dark?

Bathroom - Does your bathtub or shower have a non-skid surface, or have you added a mat, non-skid decals or abrasive strips so you are less likely to slip in the shower?  Do you have sturdy grab bars in the shower and near the toilet?  Do you have a non-skid bathroom floor which does not get slippery when wet?

Stairs - Do you have light switches at both the top and bottom of the stairs? Can you clearly see the outline of the steps so you are less likely to miss one?  Do the stairs have sturdy handrails on each side?  Are the steps in good repair without holes, uneven treads, or loose covering? Do you have access to a chair lift if the stairs become too much for you to handle?

Entrances - Are the entrances to your homes well lit so no one needs to approach in the dark?  You may want to consider having a motion detector attached to the outdoor lights in both the front and back of your home.  The light will come on as soon as someone approaches the door.  This will make it safer for both you and your guests.  In addition, are the stairs and sidewalks approaching your door in good repair, with no uneven surfaces or broken stones?

In Case of a Fall

If, despite your best efforts, you still fall, getting medical attention quickly can help limit the damage you have done.  If you hit your head, do not got to bed without being checked by a doctor first, especially if you are knocked unconscious or you are dizzy or have a headache after the fall.  Have someone drive you to the emergency room or an urgent care center, if there is any risk that you may have a concussion.

Whenever you are home by yourself, it may be wise to constantly carry a cell phone in your pocket during the day, and keep it on your nightstand at night, or you may consider getting a medical alert pendant with fall monitoring. (Ad) These pendants enable you to push a button and be put in touch with an operator who can call a neighbor, a family member, or the paramedics, depending on your need.  Some devices can even automatically detect when you fall and, if you do not get up in a short period of time, it will place a call for you.  A device like this could save your life and should be seriously considered by anyone who lives alone.

If you are interested in learning more about common medical issues as you age, where to retire, Medicare, Social Security, financial planning and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional useful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit: Pixabay.com

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Life Plan or Continuing Care Communities - What Levels of Care do They Offer?

Have you thought about the different levels of care you or your loved ones may need when you consider the options you have for future living arrangements?  While there are many different choices, including everything from independent living to nursing homes, many people have discovered the advantages of moving to a Life Plan Community, which are also called Continuing Care Retirement Communities or CCRCs.  These communities are designed to give peace of mind to people who are concerned about who will care for them as they age.  They combine many of the advantages of independent living with the security of knowing you will also have assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care available, if needed. Since this information is so important, I have invited one of these communities, the United Zion Retirement Community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to explain how these communities operate.  The information they have provided is very helpful and applies to similar types of communities across the United States.  Their guest post is below:

Four Levels of Care in a Life Plan Community


If you are a Baby Boomer, chances are you have been planning your sunset years for some time. You will be pleased to learn that senior living has advanced considerably over the years to include many new options. As you grow older, you will naturally become more curious about senior care services. Some of the questions you may have are:

What services will I require as I gradually advance in age?
Which type of senior community will best serve my needs?

To answer these questions, you may want to learn more about Life Plan Communities.

About Life Plan Communities

Life Plan Communities, also referred to as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), (Ad) offer you various types of care, ranging from independent residential accommodations to nursing care which can provide assistance as your needs evolve.

It is essential you understand how supportive a Life Plan Community can be as you age. This will remove any concerns you might have about future health issues, such as memory loss and failing health. The following are the various types of care you should expect from a Life Plan Community, as well as some common differences:

1. Independent Residential Living Level

As is the case with most seniors, you will probably start considering retirement living several years before you actually need constant care. Independent residential senior living is convenient because it offers you cottages or apartments in a secure community of your peers.

In this environment, you will have the grounds care and maintenance handled for you. This will give you ample time to enjoy social and fitness activities with your fellow citizens. Such communities also provide standard on-campus amenities. These may include beauty parlors, fitness centers, medical services, transportation, and therapy services. With these essential services always close, you’ll achieve peace of mind in no time.

2. Personal Care Level

The Personal Care Level  (Ad) offers you extra services if you need help with daily living. As a resident, you will still be independent, but will have ready access to skilled staff who can assist you in performing activities of daily living (ADLs). These services may include grooming, performing household chores, medication administration, running errands, and incontinence management.

The support and pricing you receive will depend on the amount of assistance you require. Standard Personal Care packages usually include a minimum of three daily meals, linen service, housekeeping, and access to social amenities.

Personal Care units can vary from small efficiency apartments to single-room units equipped with a full bath. In some communities, you might be offered Assisted Living Services. This program resembles the Personal Care Level, but includes medical support.

3. Memory Care Level

As a senior, you might suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s and other memory loss complications. The Memory Care Level (Ad) aims to provide you with a tranquil, self-reliant environment which is both secure and comfortable. Memory Care is designed to preserve your self-dignity even if you are battling memory difficulties. Personnel is particularly trained to handle members who are undergoing brain changes.

Starting with prepared meals, to customized support from staff members, the whole environment is meticulously designed to offer ready assistance if you suffer from memory loss. Each activity is designed to fit your individual needs. Memory Care can either be a dedicated section, or a part of Personal Care and Healthcare facilities.

4. The Healthcare Center Level

Healthcare Centers offer you high-quality nursing and suitable custodial assistance, whether you are admitted for long-term or short-term rehabilitation. The medical treatment plan also includes care delivered by licensed nurses. This is a higher quality of care provided as an answer to either one-time or recurring medical conditions.

Short-term rehabilitation refers to a limited stay you undergo in a skilled nursing facility. This commonly occurs after a stroke, surgery, or other exceptional health problems. The temporary care is meant to ensure you receive both the treatment and crucial support you need before going back to your home.

Long-term care is a more exhaustive treatment choice. It is the best option if you have chronic ailments or progressive conditions such as dementia, multiple strokes or long-term disabilities. As a resident member of the community, you get immediate access to medical professionals anytime you need them. Such highly trained personnel can respond quickly to any health issues you raise.

Healthcare Centers also offer end-of-life care during the final chapter of their members’ lives. The care which is administered includes hospice care for those suffering from terminal illnesses. At this point, the focus shifts to making their final days as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

The United Zion Retirement Community & the Life Plan Difference 

At United Zion Retirement Community, we have all the answers to your senior living-related questions. We offer high-quality care from our scenic hilltop location in Lititz, Lancaster County, PA.

Our full-range of services are designed to maintain your health, dignity, independence, and passion for life as you age. For more on the advantages of Life Plan Communities in general and United Zion’s services in particular, contact us today. (Ad)

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This article was provided by the operators of the United Zion Retirement Community and is designed to provide general information about how Life Plan or Continuing Care Communities operate.  The owner of this blog is NOT affiliated with United Zion and has NOT received any financial compensation for publishing this post.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If you are interested in learning more about common health issues as we age, Medicare, Social Security, where to retire, travel and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:   United Zion Life Plan Community

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Medical Debt - Are Medical Bills Weighing You Down?

Under the current healthcare system in the United States, a large percentage of Americans suffer severe financial distress when they become ill or need surgery.  According to research done by the Commonwealth Fund, there are 79 million Americans who are suffering financial problems as a result of their medical bills or debt.  This includes 72 million, or 41 percent of all working age adults and another 7 million elderly adults.

If you are one of the many people who are having difficulty dealing with your medical bills, it may be reassuring to know you are not alone.  However, that still does not solve your problem.  Consequently, it may be helpful to read the guest post below by Veronica Baxter, a legal assistant to a Philadelphia bankruptcy attorney.  Whether you choose to go through bankruptcy or try one of the other strategies she suggests in her guest post, hopefully this article will help you formulate a plan for dealing with your medical debt.


Medical Debt:  A Guide for Retirees

by Veronica Baxter

It is inevitable - unless you have the most expensive, comprehensive medical insurance policy available, you are going to incur some medically-necessary expenses which are not covered by private insurance or Medicare or your health savings account.

What can you do when you cannot pay these bills? This Guide sets forth various options and strategies to manage medical debt in retirement.

Ask Your Medical Provider if All Needed Services are Covered

 

Believe it or not, if you visit a multi-doctor practice or a hospital which ostensibly takes your insurance, there will be medical providers within that location who will not accept your insurance.  Frequently, people being admitted for medically-necessary procedures receive medical bills thereafter for various services by those not participating in their plan.

Ask questions beforehand. You may be surprised how being aware and checking with your providers will get you more of the services you need performed by practitioners in your plan. Many hospitals have patient advocates who can help with this and, of course, having family by your side helps, too.

Ask Your Medical Provider if a Payment Plan is Available

 

For ongoing treatment or annual checkups, primary care physicians may have a coverage plan which one can subscribe to, or a monthly payment plan.  And, if a provider knows you are a cash payer, a discount may be available.

Do not be shy. If you do not ask, you will not receive it.

When You Should Consider Filing Bankruptcy on Medical Debt

 

There are two scenarios in which someone should consider filing a bankruptcy petition. As an introduction, here are the two types of bankruptcy available to most consumer debtors, and they are useful for different situations and goals:

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

 

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a four- to six-month process during which you disclose your expenses, income, assets, and debts to the Chapter 7 Trustee and the bankruptcy court. You must pass a “means test” to income-qualify to file under Chapter 7. If all goes well, the debtor has all unsecured debt, including medical bills and credit cards, discharged - meaning the debtor is no longer personally liable for it.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is for debtors with steady income (for retirees this can be income such as Social Security, a pension, or part-time job) who can afford to partially repay their creditors through a monthly payment plan over three or five years. How much they pay depends on the type of debt they have and the amount of disposable income they have.

This form of bankruptcy is most useful for people who have fallen behind on a car loan or mortgage and want to keep that car or home. They can use their Chapter 13 plan to pay the arrears over time and get caught up.

Again, at the end of the plan, whatever debt is not repaid is discharged. This usually means all or most of the unsecured debt is discharged.

1.     Consider Bankruptcy if You Are Being Sued, or are in Collections, over Medical Debt.

 

This is first for a reason. Being in collections and subjected to relentless creditor harassment, or receiving a summons, are the most stressful events one can suffer. And we all know how bad stress is for our health. Do you want to stress over old past-due medical bills which could cause you more health problems and then more medical bills?  This has to be solved, and quickly.

The minute you file a bankruptcy petition, the automatic stay is in place - meaning, all lawsuits and collection activity stops right then, and remain “stayed” while your bankruptcy case is active.

Consult with an experienced local bankruptcy attorney about your options. Your initial consultation will be free of charge, and you can explore various solutions at no cost or obligation to you.

If you decide to file Chapter 7, it is likely because you income-qualify, are able to apply exemptions to protect your home and other property from seizure by the Chapter 7 trustee, and have medical and credit card bills you cannot pay.

If you decide to file Chapter 13, it could be because you have a steady income and can partially repay your debt, and perhaps you have fallen behind on a car loan or mortgage and want the opportunity to catch up. Chapter 13 is perfect for that.

Your attorney will discuss all options with you and help you decide which is best.

2.     Consider Bankruptcy if You Have Medical and Credit Card Debt and No Major Medical Procedures Pending.

 

If you find you are in relatively good health with no ongoing conditions needing treatment or major procedures planned, and you have outstanding medical bills and perhaps credit card debt you cannot pay, bankruptcy is for you. Whether Chapter 7 or 13 is appropriate will depend upon your income and other financial goals.

If you have an ongoing condition or major procedure planned, you need to discuss your options with your attorney. You do not want to alienate your medical providers by not paying them and getting that debt discharged.

How to Time a Medical Bill Bankruptcy

 

Deciding when to file bankruptcy is tricky if you are filing due to unpaid medical bills.

In the case of other kinds of debt, an attorney would usually recommend filing as soon as possible, before you are sued or, if you have already been sued, before the creditor gets a judgment against you and starts garnishing your wages, levying against your bank accounts, or recording a lien on your property.

Medical bills are different. They can be unpredictable and often bills come weeks or months after a procedure.

The bottom line is that a bankruptcy cannot discharge medical bills which are incurred in the future. So if you have a chronic condition, you need to weigh your current bills with the possibility of future bills and discuss it with your attorney. If you know you need a major procedure, you might want to wait to file bankruptcy until you have recovered from it so the bankruptcy captures all of those bills.

An experienced bankruptcy attorney can help you. Do not suffer. Your medical debt problem can be solved.

About the Author

Veronica Baxter is a legal assistant and blogger living and working in the great city of Philadelphia. She frequently works with David M. Offen, Esq., a Philadelphia bankruptcy attorney. (Ad)


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Disclosure: The owner of this blog does NOT have an affiliate relationship with this bankruptcy attorney and did not receive payment for the publication of this post.  

Disclosure: Some articles on this blog may contain Amazon affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning for retirement, Medicare, Social Security, where to retire, common medical issues as we age or more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of this post to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.
You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Veronica Baxter

Source of statistics:  https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/newsletter-article/survey-79-million-americans-have-problems-medical-bills-or-debt