Original or Traditional Medicare… What is the Difference?
Good Morning Ms. Toni: I am turning 65 in Dec and retiring because of my health. I had a triple bi-pass September 2013 and last week I talked with the office manager at my cardiologist’s office about me getting on Medicare and what I should do?...
Divorced?? How to Get Social Security Benefits From an Ex-Spouse??
Hello Toni: About 10 years ago, I was divorced after 25 years of marriage and I was the stay-at-home mom with 4 kids while my husband worked each day and grew his company to over 60 employees. Now that the kids have grown, I am not receiving child or spousal...
My Wife Has TRS Medicare… Why Did I Lose My Retiree Benefits?
Toni: My wife is a retired teacher and we are both on her TRS-Care Plan and also on my retiree health insurance which I use for services at MD Anderson because I am undergoing cancer treatment. I have just found out that I’ve lost my retiree health...
Learn the Myths of Medicare
Toni: Recently, I read an article online about the myths of Medicare from E-Health Insurance. I am a 65 year old engineer who retired from BP about 3 years ago. I am now working on a contract basis on various oil related projects Can you...
Why Did I Pay $200 for a Shingle Vaccine?
Good Morning Toni: I was recently told that to receive a shingles vaccination I needed to have a Part D (Medicare prescription) drug plan to get the vaccination or pay $200. I thought all vaccinations and immunizations were covered at no cost. ...
Hurricane Season Starts June 1st… Do You Have a Family Disaster Plan?
Hello Toni: We are new to the Houston area and have never experienced a hurricane. The flooding this week showed me how fast it can flood. I am sure that a hurricane is 10 times worse. I am a little nervous because my 78 year old mother...
What Happens to Our Social Security Checks if My Husband Dies??
Good Morning Ms. Toni: I have been married for 41 years to the same wonderful man. We only have our Social Security checks with a little pension from his job. I am very concern about losing his Social Security check of $1800 a month when he passes away. I get a very...
How to Keep the Donut Hole from Getting You!!
Toni: Last year, my mother got into the “donut hole” in October. I can see from the Part D statement she receives that she is rapidly approaching the donut hole and it is only the beginning of May. None of her drugs have changed from 2013. She can afford...
How to Apply for Medicare Online…Avoiding Long Lines at Your Local Social Security Office!!
Hi Toni: I need your help about how to enroll in Medicare. I am turning 65 in November and when I called Social Security was I surprised when they told me to go online to sign up. They do not want me to go to the Social Security office and get a person from Social...
Turning 65 with an Individual Health Plan… Be Cautious!!
Reader Alert!!! Many individual health plans now have Medicare Advantage plans in their arsenal of plans for those turning 65. Many of the plans are marketing those new to Medicare extremely hard. Beware if it looks too good it just might be!! Toni: Please...
Mom Needs VA Aid for Extra Help at Home
Dear Toni, I have read your column with great interest for years knowing that one day this time would come. My mother is almost 88 years old and in dire need of help at home with everyday routines, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, shopping and meal preparation. ...
I NEED TO DISENROLL FROM MY MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN!!
Good Morning Ms. Toni: The first week, my wife and I had moved to Houston, I had a wonderful surprise in my front yard and there was your Medicare column discussing different Medicare option for someone who has cancer. I am 70 years old and...
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