Rippy, Stepps & Associates

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Probate & Trust Administration

The Basics of the Probate Process

The process of administering and settling an estate after one person dies is known as probate. The specific probate procedure varies from state to state, in Arkansas it generally comprises the following actions: 1. File the Will and PetitionWith or without a will, someone must request permission from the probate court to be appointed as

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Special Needs & Disability Planning

3 Essential Considerations When Planning for a Child With Special Needs

Americans, including those with disabilities, live longer lives than in years past. A staggering 730,000 people with developmental disabilities rely on caregivers who are 60 or older. This figure does not account for adult children with other types of disability who live separately yet rely on their families for essential aid. When these parents cannot

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Special Needs & Disability Planning

What is a Special Needs Trust?

Americans are living longer than they used to–regardless of any disability they may have. Through careful planning, parents can significantly impact the lives of a child with a disability and their siblings, whom they often leave with the burden of caring for them on top of the responsibilities of their careers and families. Even though

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Elder Law

New Medicare Study finds Medicare Advantage Plans Frequently (and Incorrectly) Deny Necessary Care

According to a federal inquiry, many private Medicare Advantage plans refuse to pay for healthcare services covered under traditional Medicare. What’s worse, these denials keep or delay medically essential treatment for tens of thousands of Medicare Advantage members each year. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General investigation found that 13

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Medicaid & Long-Term Care Planning

What You Need to Know About Medicaid and Nursing Homes

Medicaid covers nursing home care but being accepted into a nursing home as a Medicaid beneficiary is not always straightforward. There are a variety of options to consider depending on your circumstances. With a nursing home room costing more than $250 per day, most families require assistance paying for long-term care. In the United States,

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Special Needs & Disability Planning

Creating a Trust for a Child with Substance Abuse Issues

September is “National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month,” a national observance to raise awareness and educate Americans about mental and substance abuse disorders that inflict over 20 million Americans.  Over 6 million of those with substance abuse disorders are age 25 and under. Have you considered that this means millions of parents are forced

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Estate Planning

Here Is Why Leaving Money To A Charity Can Benefit Your Estate

Have you thought about the many reasons to give to charity? Honoring a loved one, advancing a worthy cause, and a genuine interest in helping others may be just a few of the motivations that help make the world a better place.Charitable giving, however, can also come with tax benefits and leaving money to a

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Uncategorized

What You Need to Know About Open Enrollment in 2020

Did you know that Medicare Open Enrollment is now upon us? Open enrollment started on October 15 and goes until December 7. It can be an important time to reflect on your health care needs for the coming year and to see if your current Medicare coverage selections best serve those needs. First and foremost,

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