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...
What Medicare Does Not Cover?
Toni, Will be eligible for Medicare this year and trying to compare Medicare to my company benefits? I think that I understand the alphabet soup for Medicare, i.e. Parts A, B and D. Why doesn’t Medicare cover eye glasses/vision benefits or dental work? What insurance...
Do Veterans Using the VA Qualify for Medicare??
Dear Toni: I am a Viet Nam Vet, turning 65 this September. Recently, I was at the VA and someone told me that if I use the VA for my Medicare benefits that I cannot enroll in Medicare. I’ve also been told that if I don’t enroll in Medicare I will get a...
How to Navigate the Maze of Medicare When You Have Cancer!!
Hi Toni, I am turning 65, this June and have no idea what I should do because I have breast cancer? Currently I am on a COBRA policy from my old employer with all of my medical bills are now being met. The COBRA plan is costing me about $800 a month. But...
When Should My Husband Take His Social Security Check??
Toni: My husband has recently been laid off from his job and I am having a real stress moment. He has always provided the main income, but now my job is paying the monthly bills. My husband will not touch his 401K or cash in any CDs. Friends are advising him to go...
Why am I Charged Extra for My Part D Drug Plan?
Hello Toni: I have your Medicare Survival Guide, but I still am confused on an issue. My husband retired from an oil company with full benefits. We have both turned 65 this year and will now be going on Medicare. His company has automatically enrolled...
New to Medicare!! What do I do NOW??
Dear Toni, I will be turning 65 on September 2nd and absolutely don't know anything about Medicare, how to apply, when to apply where to apply? How to select to what and when?? Which Medicare plan is good and which one is not?? I own a small business (Just me and my...
Enrolling in Medicare Correctly… Absolutely Puzzles Me!!
Toni: I have a very different Medicare problem concerning how to enroll than any problems, I've seen in your Medicare column. I turn 65 on February 23 of this year and will retire on March 10th when my wife turns 65. Company benefits will end March 31st and I would...
E-Newsletter
