Chesser & McLeod Benefits Group

04/16/2026

Building muscle can help support your cognitive health

04/16/2026

Spring into action against allergies. High pollen count got you down?

03/24/2026

“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” Lady Bird Johnson

03/24/2026

03/24/2026

03/19/2026

⏳ This is an updated version of a post I ran about a month ago on Medicare and nursing home coverage. The comments were full of questions, so here are the 2026 rules.

Medicare covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility care per benefit period. It does not cover long-term custodial care. Days 21 through 100 cost $217 per day in coinsurance for 2026.

A new benefit period starts only after 60 consecutive days outside the hospital or SNF. Leaving for 3 days does not restart the clock.

Under Original Medicare, a hospital stay classified as "observation" does not satisfy the required 3-day inpatient stay. Some Medicare Advantage plans and certain ACO initiatives can waive that rule.

Medicaid eligibility for nursing home coverage is state-specific. In many states, the 2026 income cap is $2,982 per month and countable assets must be reduced to roughly $2,000 for a single applicant.

A community spouse can keep up to $162,660 under the 2026 Community Spouse Resource Allowance, and the home is generally exempt while that spouse lives there.
After death, most states pursue estate recovery. The home is usually the largest asset involved. A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust can shield it, but only if it has been in place for at least 5 years before the application.

The national median for a semi-private nursing home room is about $115,000 per year. Long-term care insurance can offset that cost, but premiums rise sharply if you wait past 60 to buy a policy.

03/19/2026

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Keeping your colon healthy matters, and small habits—like eating fiber‑rich foods, staying hydrated and limiting processed meats and alcohol—can support better health. Talk with your doctor about the right screening schedule for you.

03/19/2026

Colon cancer rates are rising. That’s why it’s so important to get screened. Talk to your doctor about your options.

03/19/2026

If we have ever helped you, a loved one or your company with health and/or Medicare benefits, please leave a review on our page! ❤️thank you

03/07/2026

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE that took time out of their day for the week or more to vote for me/us. Voting is now closed and we will know the results soon! Win or Loose, we love and appreciate every one of you!

03/04/2026

Last day to vote! Thank you to all our family, friends and amazing clients for voting! We appreciate each and everyone of you!♥️

Vote for Chesser & McLeod Benefits Group through Wednesday, March 4th at 05:00 pm

03/03/2026

This National Nutrition Month, boost your immunity from the inside out! A balanced diet supports a healthy gut and helps fight off viruses and infections.

Here are some bite-sized tips that can make a big impact on your health: https://bit.ly/3tH8HY9