Healthcare costs

A New York retiree is running out of options to pay for her sick mother's home care. Can advisors help her navigate the Medicaid maze?

American seniors lose much of their income to medical expenses. A new law aims to change that.

Both have their allure, but astute advisors can sort out the best choice between low-cost and premium versions.

Some cash-strapped clients with high medical costs could really benefit from making this move.

To bridge the gap between employer coverage and Medicare eligibility, retirees face a number of daunting choices.

Medicare, longevity, medical expenses — these are some of the most pressing issues facing clients.

From surcharge brackets to prescription drug plans, advisors need to understand how Medicare works.

Clients who outlive their retirement savings are among those most at risk.

Just 62% of women are protected compared to 76% of their male counterparts, research shows.

Which is better? An SEP plan or solo 401(k)?

With their pro bono efforts, advisors have helped clients manage thousands in debt, plan for future health care costs and even offered healthy recipes.

But health care is probably more expensive.

Guiding them through the fine print of narrow networks, deductibles and copays could become a key differentiator.

The limit on deductible contributions to health savings accounts will jump by $50 for individuals and $100 for families next year.

Some seniors are missing out on a potential 20% tax deduction, and “no one is talking about what a wonderful retirement planning technique" it is, says an expert.

When financial emergencies compel early withdrawals from clients' retirement accounts, they face income tax and often an additional 10% penalty.

The number of health savings accounts has topped 25 million, and employer contributions also have increased after several years of decline.

Even middle-class households who have health insurance are at risk, as a researcher points out that they are the ones who filed for the most bankruptcies.

Maryland and New Jersey are among the least-appealing places for employees to spend their post-work years, due in part to affordability, health costs and overall quality of life.