NOVember  13, 2000

HEADLINES ESTATE TALK Disclaimers Save Estate $14 Million An out-of-date estate plan is sometimes only slightly better than none at all. But a recent Tax Court case illustrates how beneficiaries of a trust can sometimes use disclaimers to correct drafting errors in the trust due to an antiquated estate plan. HEALTH HAPPENINGS Scientists May Have Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis British researchers believe they may have found a cure for rheumatoid arthritis, a crippling disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissue, causing degeneration of the joints.  LEGAL LINES Neglecting Appraisal of Personal Property Could be Risky For Estates When it comes to a decedent’s personal property, a good appraisal may seem unnecessary, but failing to get personal property appraised could be a major mistake.  MEDI-MINUTES Medicare Increases Payments to Physicians by 4.5% The Health Care Financing Administration announced that Medicare payments rates to physicians will increase by 4.5% overall next year.

Top Site Of The Week: Senior Housing Net Search Senior Housing Net's comprehensive guide to retirement communities, assisted living residences, Alzheimer's facilities, and nursing homes nationwide.   Book Of The Week: Elder Law: In a Nutshell NATIONAL NOTES Congress Reauthorizes Older Americans Act Congress has reauthorized the Older Americans Act, which expired five years ago but has been funded during that period through the appropriations process.    RESOURCE CORNER Task Force Creates One Stop Access: disAbility.gov The Social Security Administration now allows the public to apply for Social Security retirement benefits on the Internet at www.ssa.gov.