Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) have long been one of the smartest ways to save for medical expenses—but recent changes make them even more powerful. With expanded eligibility, new flexibility for direct primary care and telehealth, and improved options for marketplace plans, HSAs can now play a bigger role in both your healthcare and financial planning. Here’s what you need to know as we head into 2026.
Posts By Author: Tiffany O'ConnellPage 2
When Should I Update My Estate Plan in Massachusetts?
Life changes—and your estate plan should, too. Many people in Eastern Massachusetts, Dover, and Framingham complete their estate plans and then forget about them. But outdated documents can cause major issues later. Key Times to Update Your Estate Plan Marriage or Divorce: Relationship changes require updates to beneficiaries, executors, and trustees. Birth or Adoption of… Read More »
Do I Need a Health Care Proxy If I Already Have a Living Will?
In Massachusetts and Vermont, people often confuse these two important medical planning documents. Both are valuable, but they serve different purposes—and having only one may leave gaps in your protection. What a Health Care Proxy Does A Health Care Proxy lets you appoint a trusted person—known as your agent—to make medical decisions if you’re unable… Read More »
What Is the Cost of Setting Up an Estate Plan in Massachusetts or Vermont?
When families in Eastern Massachusetts, Central Massachusetts, or the Pioneer Valley start thinking about estate planning, one of the first questions they ask is, “How much will this cost?” The short answer is: it depends. Costs vary depending on your goals, assets, and the complexity of your plan—but understanding what you’re paying for helps you… Read More »
Filial Responsibility – What Your Need to Know
While rarely enforced, filial responsibility laws still remain a law in many states including Massachusetts. With budgets tightening and political landscapes shifting, these laws could see renewed attention. As federal discussions around healthcare and Medicaid continue, states may face financial strain and may look to these old statutes to hold children liable for their parent’s… Read More »
How Can I Avoid Probate in Massachusetts?
Why People Want to Avoid Probate Probate can be lengthy, public and expensive. Estates in Boston or Northampton often spend months waiting for court approval before heirs can access assets. Avoiding probate saves time, money, and privacy. Probate Avoidance Strategies That Work Revocable Living Trust Transferring property into a trust allows it to pass directly… Read More »
What’s the Difference Between Power of Attorney and Guardianship?
Power of Attorney (POA) A Power of Attorney is a legal document you sign while competent, granting someone authority to handle your financial or legal affairs. It can take effect immediately or only if you become incapacitated. Residents across Eastern Massachusetts, from Boston to Brookline, often use durable POAs to ensure continuity in bill-paying, banking,… Read More »
How Do I Protect My Home from Nursing-Home Costs in Massachusetts or Vermont?
The Growing Concern: Long-Term Care Costs Long-term care costs in Massachusetts and Vermont can exceed $12,000 per month. Homeowners in Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, and Tolland frequently ask how to preserve their homes without disqualifying themselves from Medicaid. Medicaid’s Look-Back Rule MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) and Vermont Medicaid both have a five-year look-back period. If you give… Read More »
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Its Impact on Medicaid: What Massachusetts Needs to Know
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025, introduces sweeping Medicaid reforms that could significantly affect MassHealth coverage in Massachusetts. From new work requirements and stricter eligibility checks to limits on provider funding, OBBBA may reshape how millions access and afford care. Here’s what you need to know about the most important changes—and how they could impact you or your loved ones in the years ahead.
What Happens If I Die Without a Will in Massachusetts?
Intestacy Explained When someone in Massachusetts dies without a will, the estate is distributed under intestacy laws. The Probate and Family Court in your county—whether in Boston, Central Massachusetts, or the Pioneer Valley—follows a strict order of heirs. Who Inherits If you are married with children from different relationships, your spouse and children share the… Read More »