Estate planning: Medicare, Social Security, and Retirement

by | Jan 26, 2018 | estate planning, Firm News

When the topic of estate planning arises in conversation, most couples automatically think only about physical assets, and who will get which of those. Rarely do things like Medicare, Social Security, or retirement come to mind until one begins the estate planning process with an attorney. These things matter greatly and should be incorporated into a plan by someone who understands the possible repercussions of a wrong move.

The reason these issues should be discussed in an estate planning consult is because the benefit will pass on to a designated beneficiary if the recipient chooses. A widowed spouse may collect a social security benefit from a deceased spouse’s account. He or she may also collect the deceased spouse’s monthly retirement stipend if named as the beneficiary. Medicare recipients can rest assured that any medical bills a surviving spouse receives for the deceased will likely be covered, and one less thing to worry about.

Seemingly small issues like these can make all the difference in the world when a grieving, surviving spouse is trying to pick up the pieces of losing a loved one. They can provide extra income to help he or she move forward. Speaking with an estate attorney will help in making sure that such affairs are in order and offer peace of mind in looking towards the future. There is no better way to tell someone you love them by making sure they are taken care of long after you are gone. Estate planning is not just for the disbursement of physical assets. It is an essential part of any life plan.

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