Takacs McGinnis Publications
The Continuum, Takacs McGinnis Elder Care Law's quarterly newsletter, is designed to enhance the service we provide to clients and their families. The publication is produced in both print (distributed via U.S. mail) and digital (distributed via email) form. The digital edition includes bonus content. Courtesy subscriptions are available to professionals who serve the elderly and disabled.
Subscribe to the digital edition.
The Continuum Archive
Click on the links to view and download back issues.
The Anchor Archive
Until 2015, the firm's quarterly newsletter was called The Anchor. Click on the links to view and download back issues.
Elder Law FAX
From 1995 to 2014, Certified Elder Law Attorney Timothy L. Takacs produced Elder Law FAX, a free newsletter that offered insightful commentary on current events in the elder law field. Though Elder Law FAX is no longer produced, back issues have been archived and are available for viewing.
Elder Law FAX Archive
Back issues from 2012 through 2014 are available here. To access earlier issues, click on the links below.
- December 26, 2011 -- Attorney-drafted Will not sufficient to rebut presumption of undue influence
- December 12, 2011 -- "Get the Flu Vaccine, Not the Flu!"
- November 28, 2011 -- Medicare.gov's Nursing Home Compare: Not the whole story
- November 14, 2011 -- Key features of private pensions lead to disparate treatment of American workers
- October 31, 2011 -- What if the trust beneficiary dies -- who gets what remains in the trust?
- October 17, 2011 - Health care reform law's long-term care insurance program shut down
- October 3, 2011 - Daily decision-making by people with dementia and their spouses
- September 19, 2011 - 2010 income and poverty figures: what they show for older Americans
- September 5, 2011 - When is life insurance not life insurance?
- August 22, 2011 -- Nursing home can't be sued for violating federal nursing home reform law
- August 8, 2011 -- The Oregon Health Insurance Experiment: What it tells us about Medicaid
- July 25, 2011 -- 401(k) plan trustee not liable for losses due to participants' control over plan investments
- July 11, 2011 -- What the 2010 census data tell us about aging in America
- June 27, 2011 -- VA taking applications for Family Caregiver benefits under 2010 veterans benefits law
- June 13, 2011 -- Are too many nursing home residents with dementia overmedicated?
- May 30, 2011 -- Tennessee to receive additional federal funds to support care of dual eligibles
- May 16, 2011 -- Lump sum payment under personal services contract deemed Medicaid disqualifying transfer
- May 2, 2011 -- Feds phasing out paper checks for certain government benefits
- April 18, 2011 -- IRS' "Dirty Dozen" tax scams include warnings for older taxpayers
- April 4, 2011 -- Nursing Home Compare measures for quality improvement revamped
- March 21, 2011 -- What the health reform law can do for persons who need care in the community
- March 7, 2011 -- Who are not making advance directives? And why not?
- February 21, 2011 -- The dead have rights too: Court grants landowners request to move remains
- February 7, 2011 -- Boomers to inherit $8 trillion
- January 24, 2011 -- It's not how much you save for retirement, it's how much you spend when you're retired
- January 10, 2011 -- "Welcome to Medicare": Health reform law expands program's preventive services
- December 27, 2010 --Preventable events kill almost 80,000 Medicare hospital patients annually
- December 13, 2010 -- Hospital Sues TennCare Seeking Payment for Services to TennCare Enrollee
- November 29, 2010 -- 10th anniversary of National Family Caregiver Support Program observed
- November 15, 2010 -- Court awards damages against attorney-in-fact who transferred property to himself and relatives
- November 1, 2010 -- Medical errors caused by "hand-offs" of patients targeted
- October 18, 2010 -- Court rejects "improvement" as a criterion for continuing Medicare SNF benefits
- October 4, 2010 -- Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services and the Affordable Care Act
- September 20, 2010 -- Who pays for long-term care for older people and how? Challenges facing developed nations
- September 6, 2010 -- Court approves Medicaid-friendly annuity
- August 23, 2010 -- Feds publish guide to patients who leave the hospital
- August 9, 2010 -- Congress urged to enact minimum consumer protections for life settlements
- July 26, 2010 -- Nursing home that honored white resident's racial caregiving preferences violated federal Civil Rights Act
- July 12, 2010 -- Court asked to admit as a will a document that contain both handwriting and typewriting
- June 28, 2010 -- Appeals court vacates all-parties' agreement settling probate estate
- June 14, 2010 -- Daughter not liable for her mother's nursing home bill
- May 31, 2010 -- What's the different between a "lawful" child and an "unlawful" child?
- May 17, 2010 -- Creditor denied recovery from debtor's trust
- May 3, 2010 -- Watch out for scammers and the new health care reform law
- April 19, 2010 -- New physician's guide to assessing and counseling older drivers published
- April 5, 2010 -- What's in the new health care law: a long-term care insurance program
- March 22, 2010 -- Health care reform bill passes Congress; what's in it for seniors?
- March 8, 2010 -- IRS issues top 10 tax tips about taking early distributions from retirement plans
- February 22, 2010 -- Death in the United States
- February 8, 2010 -- IRS debunks frivolous tax arguments
- January 25, 2010 -- Feeding tubes: a last resort for end-of-life care, physicians' group says
- January 11, 2010 -- Medicare law change may enable more people to get "extra help" paying for prescription drugs
- December 28, 2009 -- New publication offers legal guide for seriously ill people
- December 14, 2009 -- Law seeks to improve health care of women veterans, provide support for caregivers of disabled vets
- November 30, 2009 -- Holiday tips from the Elder Law Practice
- November 16, 2009 -- SEC charges brokerage firm with scamming elderly investors over free lunch
- November 2, 2009 -- What drives spending on health care?
- October 19, 2009 -- Quadriplegic nursing home resident dies, had won legal right to starve himself to death
- October 5, 2009 -- Fees on retirement savings: how much are you paying them to manage your money?
- September 21, 2009 -- Is United States health care the best in the world?
- September 7, 2009 -- Nursing home residents may sue for civil rights violations
- August 24, 2009 -- Report: World's older population to triple in 40 years
- August 10, 2009 -- August is Immunization Awareness Month!
- July 27, 2009 -- Think tank examines Medicare's role for women
- July 13, 2009 -- Court reinstates suit by retirees alleging wrongful termination of health benefits
- June 29, 2009 -- The challenge of long-term care insurance: can it close the long-term care financing gap?
- June 15, 2009 -- Medicaid penalizes nursing home resident for making $20 birthday gifts
- June 1, 2009 -- "Four extra words" in a deed doth a lawsuit make
- May 18, 2009 -- Why is the rehospitalization rate of older persons so high?
- May 4, 2009 -- When can an "irrevocable" trust be changed? When the drafting attorney uses whiteout...
- April 20, 2009 -- Unmarried domestic partners have "marital property rights" in pension plans, says federal appeals court
- April 6, 2009 -- New Tennessee law promises long-term care reform
- March 23, 2009 -- Is there a (medical) home in your future?
- March 9, 2009 -- Court orders retrial in Tennessee nursing home damages case
- February 23, 2009 -- The Economic Recovery Act-More money from the government for some folks
- February 9, 2009 -- Despite waiving her rights in divorce decree, Supreme Court OKs payment of pension plan benefits to decedent's ex-wife
- January 26, 2009 -- What will happen to the federal estate tax next year?
- January 12, 2009 -- Court upholds suit against State over mother's trust for developmentally disabled daughter
- December 29, 2008 -- IRS offers tips on year-end donations
- December 15, 2008 -- Influenza pandemic emergency: the Medicare program prepares
- December 1, 2008 -- Cold weather tips for older adults offered in easy to read booklet
- November 17, 2008 -- Personal health records for Medicare beneficiaries tested in South Carolina
- November 3, 2008 -- Older Americans hit hard by recent economic turmoil
- October 20, 2008 -- Caregiver to get house at death in compensation for services to elderly aunt
- October 6, 2008 -- Deadline nears for claiming economic stimulus check
- September 22, 2008 -- Court dismisses lawsuit against cemetery owner for negligent interment
- September 8, 2008 -- Will scratched on cigarette carton not valid
- August 25, 2008 -- Medicare will no longer pay hospitals for certain conditions
- August 11, 2008 -- High court ruling in age bias case a victory for older workers
- July 28, 2008 -- New Medicare rule outlines rights of hospice patients
- July 14, 2008 -- States spend most Medicaid dollars on older persons for institutional services
- June 30, 2008 -- This is not your father's long-term care insurance policy
- June 16, 2008 -- Medicaid may not recover from estate of surviving spouse for benefits paid to predeceased spouse
- June 2, 2008 -- Living with Alzheimer's disease: what can be done for those with the disease and their caregivers?
- May 19, 2008 -- Ex-wife gets life insurance benefits, despite divorce and State law
- May 5, 2008 -- Medicare's Physician Group Practice Demonstration aims to improve health care quality
- April 21, 2008 -- Family doctors' group releases new guideline on end-of-life palliative care
- April 7, 2008 -- Americans living longer, enjoying greater health and prosperity, but important disparities remain, says federal report
- March 24, 2008 -- Number of new cases of Alzheimer's disease to escalate rapidly
- March 10, 2008 -- Money from the government: how to claim your recovery rebate
- February 25, 2008 -- Money from the government: can seniors get a check under the new economic stimulus law?
- February 11, 2008 -- Medicare Part D reduces out-of-pocket drug costs
- January 28, 2008 -- HHS partners with states to raise awareness on long-term care planning
- January 14, 2008 -- Another Medicare option: Special Needs Plans
- December 31, 2007 -- Psychiatrists release updated guidelines for treating patients with dementia
- December 17, 2007 -- Court bars Medicaid estate recovery attempts as untimely filed
- December 3, 2007 -- Feds post list of worse nursing homes
- November 19, 2007 -- Will or no Will?
- November 5, 2007 -- When does a later Will revoke an earlier Will?
- October 22, 2007 -- Medicare drug plan: important deadline looming
- October 8, 2007 -- Economic cost of chronic disease on U. S. economy is $1 trillion
- September 24, 2007 -- Payback provision in special needs trust approved by state supreme court
- September 10, 2007 -- Health insurance plan may be reimbursed from special needs trust
- August 27, 2007 -- Are the federal nursing home regulations the standard of care?
- August 13, 2007 -- Terminally ill patients do not have right to use experimental drugs
- July 30, 2007 -- Nursing home resident not bound by arbitration agreement signed by daughter
- July 16, 2007 -- The Chronic Care Model of health care delivery
- July 2, 2007 -- Case alleging undue influence on elderly woman dismissed
- June 18, 2007 -- Employer's oral promise to provide benefits did not create an ERISA pension plan
- June 4, 2007 -- Tips for preventing identity theft
- May 21, 2007 -- Due process followed in conservatorship case
- May 7, 2007 -- Prepaid funeral contracts not for everyone
- April 23, 2007 -- The meaning of "substantial compliance"
- April 9, 2007 -- Gift of homestead from aunt to nephew was not a product of undue influence
- March 26, 2007 -- State high court rejects binding arbitration clause in nursing home admission contract
- March 12, 2007 -- Improving health literacy improves health care
- February 26, 2007 -- Disability among older Americans continues significant decline
- February 12, 2007 -- The good news on health and health care use of older Americans
- January 29, 2007 -- How much do Americans spend on health care and long-term care?
- January 15, 2007 -- Winter safety for elderly people
- January 1, 2007 -- Managing parents' finances -- eight steps for children to take
- December 18, 2006 -- The costs of long-term care: public perceptions versus reality in 2006
- December 4, 2006 -- Medicaid Commission approves final recommendations on long-term care
- November 20, 2006 -- World COPD Day: Help for sufferers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- November 6, 2006 -- It's enrollment time again: questions and answers in selecting a new Medicare prescription drug plan (Medicare reform, continued)
- October 23, 2006 -- Medicare experiment seeks to improve physician care of people with chronic illnesses (Medicare reform, continued)
- October 9, 2006 -- Attorney in fact lacks authority to change life insurance beneficiary
- September 25, 2006 -- Beyond conventional wisdom: new strategies to maximize lifetime income
- September 11, 2006 -- 10 ways for baby boomer women to avoid poverty in retirement
- August 28, 2006 -- States and SEC join forces to protect elderly investors
- August 14, 2006 -- Social Security glitch results in incorrect refunds to people on Medicare
- July 31, 2006 -- Keeping cool in hot weather: advice for older people
- July 17, 2006 -- Medicare provides coverage for many preventive services and screenings (Medicare reform, continued)
- July 3, 2006 -- Emergency preparedness for older adults and caregivers
- June 19, 2006 -- FTC offers tips for preventing identity theft and protecting Social Security numbers
- June 5, 2006 -- Should you buy prescription drugs online? Tips from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration
- May 22, 2006 -- Health and welfare of older Americans improves
- May 8, 2006 -- Important and timely Medicare reminders
- April 24, 2006 -- Seniors: educate yourself on annuities
- April 10, 2006 -- Balloon annuity counted as a resource for Medicaid eligibility purposes
- March 27, 2006 -- FDA issues guidance on hospital bed design to reduce patient entrapment
- March 13, 2006 -- 12 questions predict your risk of dying
- February 27, 2006 -- Medicare recipients warned of prescription drug coverage scams
- February 13, 2006 -- Pressure sores threaten health of nursing home resident
- January 30, 2006 -- How your heirs can get the most benefit out of your estate
- January 16, 2006 -- Simple four-item questionnaire predicts weight loss in elders
- January 2, 2006 -- Use direct deposit to keep control of your money, safeguard Social Security benefits
- December 26, 2005 -- Tips on choosing a Medicare prescription drug benefit plan (Medicare reform, continued)
- December 19, 2005 -- Preliminary conclusions about Medicare's implementation of the drug benefit (Medicare reform, continued)
- December 12, 2005 -- Holiday stress and depression: tips for coping with the season
- December 5, 2005 -- Internal Revenue Service warns of email scam about tax refunds
- November 28, 2005 -- House and Senate pass two different bills that affect Medicaid asset transfer rules (part 2)
- November 21, 2005 -- House and Senate pass two different bills that affect Medicaid asset transfer rules (part 1)
- November 14, 2005 -- Will invalidated for undue influence despite testator's "testamentary capacity"
- November 7, 2005 -- Trust is revocable notwithstanding death of one grantor-spouse
- October 31, 2005 -- Testator's "insane delusions" do not invalidate will
- October 24, 2005 -- Court affirms pressure-ulcer penalty against nursing home
- October 17, 2005 -- Federal court rejects challenge to EEOC retiree health benefit rules
- October 10, 2005 -- It's almost here: Medicare prescription drug coverage (part 2) (Medicare reform, continued)
- October 3, 2005 -- It's almost here: Medicare prescription drug coverage (part 1) (Medicare reform, continued)
- September 26, 2005 -- Court denies ex-wife's waiver of pension benefits
- September 19, 2005 -- Feeding assistant rule upheld by court
- September 12, 2005 -- Court says school system's early retirement incentive plan violates federal age discrimination law
- September 5, 2005 -- What to do after the storm -- and before
- August 29, 2005 -- Retirement plan participants can sue for damages to their accounts due to alleged breaches by plan fiduciaries
- August 22, 2005 -- Obesity and arthritis increasingly threaten aging boomers' well-being
- August 15, 2005 -- Medicaid divorce cannot shelter income for spouse of nursing home resident
- August 8, 2005 -- Federal Medicaid Commission looking at governors' proposals for cost savings
- August 1, 2005 -- State settles with securities firm over improper variable annuity sales to seniors
- July 25, 2005 -- Helping elders beat the heat
- July 18, 2005 -- Court upholds "spousal refusal" in Medicaid nursing home case
- July 11, 2005 -- Medicaid transfer rules apply to "dangerous" resident, court rules
- July 4, 2005 -- New research suggests early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease possible
- June 27, 2005 -- People on Medicare who qualify for extra help on prescription drugs can apply now
- June 20, 2005 -- Assignment of Social Security income to special needs trust fails
- June 13, 2005 -- Report looks at older Americans
- June 6, 2005 -- Per stirpes? Per capita? Why the Latin? What's the difference?
- May 30, 2005 -- Can we save Medicaid $10 billion by stopping asset transfers?
- May 23, 2005 -- Attorney cleared of malpractice even though his power of attorney was not durable
- May 16, 2005 -- Trustee not liable for following grantor's investment instructions
- May 9, 2005 -- In this case, "lifetime" really does mean "for life"
- May 2, 2005 -- California issues "Dirty Dozen" investment scams for 2005
- April 25, 2005 -- Marriage of dead man annulled
- April 18, 2005 -- Man with two wills dies intestate
- April 11, 2005 -- Court: EEOC cannot issue rules that violate age discrimination law
- April 4, 2005 -- Lessons learned from the Terri Schiavo case
- March 28, 2005 -- This dead man doesn't have to pay alimony, says court
- March 21, 2005 -- 10 tips for choosing a caregiver for an elder (part 2)
- March 14, 2005 -- 10 tips for choosing a caregiver for an elder (part 1)
- March 7, 2005 -- Parents may owe child support to adult disabled children
- February 28, 2005 -- "Go Direct" pilot campaign launched in Tennessee
- February 21, 2005 -- Involuntarily committed woman's lawsuit against doctor may proceed, rules court
- February 14, 2005 -- What those "Elder Law Update" postcards really mean
- February 7, 2005 -- Merrill Lynch not liable as plan trustee for losses in WorldCom retirement plan
- January 31, 2005 -- "You cannot convey what you do not own"
- January 24, 2005 -- Do-it-yourself Medicaid planning costly for mother and daughter
- January 17, 2005 -- Social Security "privatization": what does it mean?
- January 10, 2005 -- Life tenant may owe damages to remainderman for clear-cutting timber on property
- January 3, 2005 -- Punitive damage award against life insurance company set aside; 2005 Medicaid long-term care numbers
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