January 2026

How Higher Medicare Costs Will Affect Older Adults in 2026

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the Medicare premiums and deductibles for 2026.

Planning for Low Affordability: Strategies for Homebuyers

As boomers live longer, spend more in retirement, and hold onto their homes, many younger adults are discovering that the inheritance they hoped would help level the playing field isn't coming, or will be far smaller and far later than expected. This widening intergenerational homeownership gap has consequences for Americans on both ends of the spectrum.

Execute a Durable Power of Attorney Before It's Too Late

A durable power of attorney is an extremely important estate planning tool, but many people delay completing this vital estate planning step until it’s too late and they no longer are legally capable of doing it.

2026 Medicaid Long-Term Care Benefits When You Are Married

Medicaid permits the healthy spouses of Medicaid patients who need long-term care services to retain limited resources to keep them from becoming impoverished.

Avoid Disputes Between Your POA Agent and Health Care Proxy

A durable power of attorney and a health care proxy are two very important estate planning documents. Because the individuals chosen will have to coordinate your care, it is important to pick two people who will get along.

New Long-Term Care Insurance Premium Deductions for 2026

Many people assume they will never need long-term care. However, nearly 70 percent of adults age 65 and over will require such services at some point in their later years. Long-term care insurance (LTCI) can help older adults afford the long-term care services they may one day need.

How Can Purple Alerts Help People With Disabilities?

Like Amber Alerts for children and Silver Alerts for older adults, Purple Alerts raise public awareness when an adult with a cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disability goes missing.

ABLE Accounts Will Be Available for More People in 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, the maximum age of disability onset for ABLE account eligibility will increase from 26 to 46 due to the ABLE Age Adjustment Act.

Do I Need a Birth Certificate to Get SSI Benefits?

Is it possible to qualify for Social Security benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) without a birth certificate? The short answer is yes.