Updates in Elder Law in 2025

Elder law still has a long way to go in order to meet the new challenges as well as to protect older people. Some of the major changes in elder law in 2025 include stronger protection against elder financial abuse, changes in long term care policies and improvements in healthcare decisions. Keep reading to find out more about it.

Greater Protection Against Elder Financial Abuse

Elder financial abuse is a form of financial abuse where a senior is taken advantage of financially. Two examples of this are theft of funds from the senior and fraud that results in the senior making wrong financial decisions.

In 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a proposal to prevent elder financial abuse. The new rules provide for more regulations of the financial products and services aimed at seniors in order to prevent fraud and scams.

There is elder financial abuse prevention: What to look out for. First, if your elder parents are withdrawing large amounts of money or if they are attempting to alter their will, help them to understand what is going on and do not be afraid to act to stop the abuse before it gets out of hand.

Improvements in Long Term Care Policies

In the past few years, costs have risen in the United States across all industries and, regrettably, this includes long term care. Thank fully, policymakers have put forward new measures to enhance the availability and affordability of the services.

The updates include:

Medicaid Waivers: In the last few years, many states have expanded their Medicaid waivers to pay for services whether the seniors require them in the home or in the community. Find out more about the waivers that are available to eligible individuals in Oklahoma.

Tax Incentives: The IRS increased the tax deductible limit for long term care insurance in 2025. Only those long term care policies that meet the federal government’s tax qualified standard may be able to provide for a possible tax deduction. Find out more from the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance.

Enhancements in Healthcare Decision Making

Variously, improvements in healthcare have been made in many states that have a positive impact on elder law. But let’s look at the updates.

1. Digital Advance Directives: It is still very important to have hard copies of your advance directive and other important documents, but more and more states are recognizing the shift to digital advance health care directives. This can help with the accessibility of elder adults.
2. Telehealth Rights: The federal legislation extended the telehealth use by permitting:

Until March 31, 2025, Medicare patients can get telehealth services for non-behavioral/mental health care in their home.
Until March 31, 2025, individuals can get care with no geographical limitation.
Moving Forward to 2025

The changes in elder law indicate the continued concern with the rights and welfare of our elderly citizens. However, these changes can be quite complex and it is therefore important to seek the help of a professional in elder law.

Oklahoma attorney, Kevin L. Miller, PC has more than 35 years of experience in estate planning, probate and elder law. He helps all kinds of people and their families in Oklahoma.

He practices law with the following in mind:

“I believe that people should be treated with decency, dignity and respect.

I believe in equality and justice for everyone.

Equality is fundamental and necessary for us to have a just society.”

Get in touch with Kevin L. Miller, PC today and they will be happy to assist you. Call (405) 443-5100.