Thank you to our guest blogger Seth Kuntz for breaking down the pros and cons of private Veterans’ healthcare

There is a contentious debate among politicians, Veterans’ advocacy groups, and Veterans themselves over what changes need to be made to take better care of our Veterans’ health, and if the Veterans’ healthcare system should be privatized. Our goal is to help simplify this complex topic for you and your clients.

I always hear the term “privatization of Veterans’ healthcare,” but what does that actually mean?

Currently, Veterans may receive care at a government-run healthcare facility, either for free or a minimal cost. Veterans also have the option to receive care at a private facility through the Veterans Choice Program if long wait times are present or if the nearest VA facility is too far away. Not all Veterans are eligible for the Choice Program.

Good news for the world of philanthropy: charitable giving is not dead. With the recent changes to the tax code, it’s an appropriate time for estate planning professionals to revisit charitable giving with a view toward identifying these new opportunities and assessing how a charitable giving plan works within the broader estate planning strategy. 

Despite the worry that the increase in the standard deduction under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would negatively impact philanthropic activities, charitable giving has continued to increase since 2018. This suggests that charitable giving is still important to many of your clients. Historically, 30 percent of charitable giving activity takes place during the holidays, so December is the perfect time to help clients incorporate their philanthropic desires into their estate plan.