Envision Benefit Specialists

04/16/2025

Today, family caregivers provide over $600 billion in unpaid labor to keep loved ones at home and out of institutional care — and many are doing it with the vital support of Medicaid.

If Medicaid is cut, we risk collapsing the system that allows millions of older adults, people with disabilities, and terminally ill individuals to remain in their homes and communities. Caregivers like Ty Lewis would lose access to home care, respite support, and essential financial resources — all while trying to maintain employment and housing.

We're calling on Congress to protect this essential lifeline. Add your voice to the fight. Take action now: https://caregiving.quorum.us/campaign/SaveMedicaidNow/

04/08/2025

I wrote some commentary for an article in Yahoo Finance about different ways to fund an extended care event. LTC insurance is one solution providing the financial resources necessary to pay for LTC expenses. Premiums are paid from personal funds, a HSA, or repositioning retirement or annuity funds. Other alternatives to fund LTC expenses are listed in article.

In many families, long-term care (LTC) isn't a subject that's popular to discuss. That's why something like long-term care insurance, which helps cover care that lasts longer than a few months and...

03/17/2025

I'm a LTC Specialist and so passionate about the need to plan for living a quality life in retirement. Having a long term care insurance plan can diminish the consequences of an extended care event -- for the individual needing care and more importantly for the family providing that care. Even if an insurance policy isn't purchased, having a PLAN in place for future caregiving assistance is essential. Where would you live? Who would provide the necessary care? How will I pay for that care? All important questions to answer! Want an education on LTC planning? Please contact me for a conversation.

Welcome to Money Monday with Suze, a weekly newsletter designed to inspire your financial life and give you actionable insights from the World’s Personal Finance Expert. Like what you’re reading? Subscribe and share with your friends.

06/22/2023

EXCELLENT resources for informal caregivers from the National Institute on Aging. I love the worksheets on Home Safety Checklist, Coordinating Caregiving Responsibilities, and Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Care Provider. Considering that 1 out of 5 individuals provides caregiving support often to a family member, knowledge is essential to navigate the caregiving journey.

Download, print, and copy NIA's worksheets to help you provide care for family members or friends who need help with daily living.

10/27/2022

Health insurance carriers are interested in providing some home care services to their senior members — enabling them to live at home, both safely and independently. Some of these expanded benefits offered on Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for 2023 include house calls, expanded telehealth visits, caregiver support services, companionship, and transportation.

Generally, these benefits are offered to a target group of MA members, those with specific chronic health issues. But every year, MA plans offer more benefits to a larger group of their members. This is great for both seniors and the families who provide caregiving support.

I am thrilled that insurance companies are seeing the connection between good health and providing seniors with the necessary support to keep them at home and out of the hospital or nursing facility. But benefits are limited - not offered to every member and not offered in every market. These “extra” benefits don’t replace the advantages of a LTC insurance policy that will provide daily caregiving assistance for Activities of Daily Living or a cognitive impairment.

With the annual enrollment period just around the corner, Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations are starting to tout what benefits they’re offering

10/15/2022

Fantastic that healthy meals are provided to those in need!

Some states will offer medically tailored meals to low-income residents with diabetes and other chronic diseases.

09/28/2022

Great read! A report from The Convergence Center for Policy Resolution gives direction on how to improve the lives of older adults

Imagine that, instead of our current chaotic, dangerous, and needlessly expensive patchwork of care for seniors, the US had a well-coordinated care model that leverages and supports paid aides, family caregivers, safe and appropriate housing, and new technology.

09/11/2022

In Minneapolis- taping today for a new CLTC class - eFoundations for financial planners. With my wonderful other presenters, Rhonda Vry-Bills and Kelly Augspurger, and CLTC staff who made it all happen.

08/15/2022

Suzy Orman continues to advocate for individuals to purchase LTC insurance. Benefits both the policyholder and skilled nursing facilities.

So who are the nation’s most powerful advocates for better long-term care funding? There's an outside sleeper candidate.

05/26/2022

Providing acute hospital care in the home greatly expanded during Covid. Medical services in the home decrease length of hospital and nursing facility stays while providing high quality care and a reduction in cost of care. Advances like the Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver program allow seniors to age independently in their own home.

According to a recent survey of more than 130 CEOs, hospitals are growing their business lines to provide approximately 20% more services outside of the hospital and/or in the home than in 2021. The survey, from the University of Colorado Denver and Guidehouse, revealed creative steps health system

05/11/2022

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ibQyEGLejmU

In the future, this could be a caregiving tool for you. Technology like this will help those who want to live independently, but still need some assistance. AARP reports that 90% of people ages 65+ would prefer to age in their own homes. What's your LTC strategy? Who will take care of you? Where will you receive that care? Let's explore your plan together!

Please like, share and subscribe to my channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk4pmUxuZc1X1LUh_FtBXYA

04/26/2022

Interesting article on an alternative model of care, the Green House Project. Currently in 32 states, these LTC small homes are a different option to skilled nursing homes. 10-12 residents live in cottages with private suites and common areas with kitchen. Care provided by CNAs. Affordable? Sustainable? Read on --

While skilled nursing construction in many parts of the country has been stagnant over the last few years, one Arkansas operator has found a development strategy that attracts both lenders and residents.