“7 Myths About Caregiving Costs,” by Rachel Hartman, US News & World Report “If you are currently providing care for an elderly relative or plan to do so in the future, filtering through the financial details as early as possible can save time and money later. Here are some common misconceptions surrounding the costs of caregiving, as well as the realities to expect.” LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform): Mentions but doesn’t recommend LTCI; mentions Medicaid but doesn’t warn about access and quality problems.  
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“Could Medical Procedures Transmit Alzheimer’s?,” by Karen Weintraub, Scientific American “The seeds of Alzheimer’s disease may have been transmitted along with human growth hormone into eight British patients treated decades ago, according to a study published Thursday in Nature. If supported by further research, the findings imply Alzheimer’s could potentially be transmitted via close contact with the brain tissue of someone who has the disease. That does not mean Alzheimer’s is contagious, researchers are quick to note. These eight patients all received doses of human growth hormone from the pituitary glands of numerous cadavers—a very unusual transmission route.” LTC Comment
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“2019 SSI and Spousal Impoverishment Standards,” Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services “NEW MEDICAID/MEDICARE NUMBERS: For all the raw numbers as reported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), go to 2019 SSI and Spousal Impoverishment Standards. See Social Security, Medicare announce key 2019 numbers for the 2018 and 2019 LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform): We’ve just updated the Medicaid and Medicare Key Numbers in The Zone for 2019. One highlight: Medicaid’s home equity exemption has increased to $585,000 or $878,000 depending on your state. For access to The Zone, you’ll
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“Reverse Mortgages Seen By Advisors As Option Of Last Resort,” by George Yacik, Financial Advisor “Another area where several financial advisors believe reverse mortgages can play a role is in financing in-home health care or long-term care insurance.” LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform): Effective January 1, 2019, Medicaid’s home equity exemption rises to between $585,000 and $878,000 depending on the state. When that incentive to ignore long-term care planning goes away as it inevitably will, reverse mortgages for LTC financing and insurance will become a first, not a last resort.  
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“Senior Living vs. Home Care: Consumer Preferences May Be Changing,” by Tim Regan, Senior Housing News “Home care is often seen as senior housing’s biggest competitor, as surveys routinely find a strong preference among older adults to age in place. But the tide might be slowly turning, with assisted living and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) becoming more attractive options. … The results showed that equal proportions (roughly 3 in 10) of older adults saw assisted living or continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)s, care at own home with family help, and care at home with paid help as the best
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