POA Agent Not Liable for Principal’s Nursing Home Bill
I am often asked if someone serving as guardian, conservator, agent under a power of attorney, or spouse is liable for the debts and liabilities of the ward or principal…
Can Daddy Sign a Will or Power of Attorney?
When a spouse or parent has been diagnosed with dementia or some other condition that affects cognition, the family members may conclude (or be told by others) that the person…
ABLE Eligibility Expands on January 1, 2026
In December 2014, Congress passed the Stephen Beck, Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 (ABLE Act). This law, found at Section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code,…
2026 Medicaid Long-Term Care Benefits When You Are Married
Takeaways Medicaid provides a safety net for long-term care but requires strict limits on income and assets. To prevent impoverishment of the healthy spouse (the “community spouse”), Medicaid allows them…
Upcoming Events and Presentations
MPB Radio Podcasts with Rick Courtney Rick Courtney has been a regular guest on the Mississippi Public Broadcasting radio show “In Legal Terms” where he has discussed and answered listener…
Standard Medicare Part B Monthly Premium to Jump 9.7% in 2026
The standard Medicare Part B premium will increase to $202.90 per month in 2026, up 9.7% from $185 per month in 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has…
Social Security Drops Planned Changes to Disability Rules
After signaling its intention earlier this year to make significant changes in how it determines eligibility for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has told disability advocates it is…
OIG Finds Gaps in Behavioral Health Provider Networks for Medicare Advantage and Medicaid Managed Care Plans
A new Office of Inspector General (OIG) review finds that many Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans have limited networks of behavioral health providers, further weakened by the inclusion of…
New Rule Removes Tax Deferral on 401(k) Catchup Contributions
Staring next year, the highest-earning 401(k) participants who are eligible to make "catch-up" contributions will no longer be able to defer taxes on those contributions. A new rule is going…
AAP Declines to Recommend Drug for Autism Supported by Trump Administration
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is advising against the routine use of leucovorin for children with autism, despite rising demand from families following recent federal promotion of the drug. Although…