2011 will be the first year that those who are officially considered Baby Boomers will turn into real senior citizens according to the US Census Bureau. Those who turn 65 after January 1, 2011 will be eligible for Medicare, and so the time between now and then should involve some planning in the areas of living wills and final wills, including estate planning in California.

According to www.aging.ca.gov, California’s population by 2011 will be comprised of approximately 25% Boomers — that means that one quarter of the population will be eligible for Medicare; but how many of them are preparing for this transition, aware that they are eligible, and how many will ultimately benefit from Medicare? Boomers can educate themselves about the ins and outs of Medicare and how it affects them and their medical needs by visiting www.ABabyBoomersGuide.com.

It’s important to know when and if you’re eligible for this and what it may mean for your living will in California — you should speak with your estate planning attorney to determine what kinds of preparations should be made for your medical power of attorney, including who this person should be, and what their responsibilities will be. It is important that your Newport Beach estate planner be able to explain to you and your medical power of attorney exactly what his or her responisibilites will be so that he or she is not competely blindsided when the time comes to kick it into gear.

If you have questions about planning your estate and how a living will can determine how your health will be handled by a medical power of attorney, contact Jeff Matsen today for a consultation.