The 2021 edition of the Elder Law Education Guide (ELG), the 12th edition of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s resource guide on a wide range of legal issues affecting the lives of older adults, is now available online. The ELG was produced by the MBA's Elder Law Advisory Committee with the generous assistance and continued collaboration of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. A special three-episode podcast series on topics of importance to older adults is also available as a companion to the ELG (see below).
The new edition contains a refreshed COVID-19 Checklist and Resources section, which includes updated resources and recommendations on the forms and decisions older adults should have ready in light of the pandemic. The ELG also provides the latest information on important legal issues, such as MassHealth (Medicaid), Medicare, reverse mortgages, veterans benefits, long-term care insurance and other relevant topics for older adults.
Due to ongoing health and safety concerns related to the pandemic, the MBA’s Elder Law Advisory Committee and volunteer attorneys will be providing virtual sessions to councils on aging and senior centers around Massachusetts in lieu of their annual on-site presentations. The ELG will be distributed online to all participating organizations in the commonwealth. It is also available to all members of the public to read or download for free online at www.massbar.org/elderlaw.
COMPANION MASSBAR BEAT EPISODES
In addition to publishing the ELG and arranging virtual presentations for councils on aging, members of the MBA’s Elder Law Advisory Committee produced three episodes of the MassBar Beat podcast with host Jordan Rich on topics of interest to older adults. The episodes are all available to listen to now on Soundcloud (direct links below), as well as on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn.
Reverse Mortgages as a Retirement Tool
In this episode, host Jordan Rich talks with Jill Joyce, HUD certified housing counselor and certified HECM counselor, and attorney Stephen Pepe, an HECM loan specialist at Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC, about the benefits of using reverse mortgages, as well as what to look out for when applying for one.
Older Adults and Driving
In this episode, host Jordan Rich talks with attorney Alex L. Moschella, chair of the MBA's Elder Law Advisory Committee, and Nicole McGurin, director of Family Services, Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter, about the common questions that arise when older adults experience physical or cognitive impairments later in life that could affect their driving, as well as resources available to help.
Medicare Explained
In this episode, host Jordan Rich talks with attorney Josephine Babiarz, a member of the MBA's Elder Law Advisory Committee, about frequently asked questions about Medicare, including who is eligible; how to enroll; and the differences between parts A, B, C and D.