Why Is My Part B $335.70 and Not $104.90?? Something is Really Wrong!!
Dear Toni: I retired last March and my income was over $300,000. I was surprised to learn that Medicare Parts B and D are both income based and I have to pay $335.70 for Part B and $69.30 for Part D, totaling $405.00 monthly from my Social Security check....
Doctor’s New Rule…Pay Up Front and YOU…File with Medicare!!
Hi Toni: I have Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement Plan F. No problem in the past filing with Medicare, but beginning January 1st, my neurologist has changed how he bills Medicare. He is a small office and said that because of the amount of paperwork, he...
Sorry Grandma…you weren’t “Formally Admitted” and You Owe a $36,000 Skilled Nursing Stay!!
Toni, You wrote an article a few years ago that addressed the length of time you had to spend at a hospital before Medicare would pay for a skilled nursing/rehabilitation hospital stay. I can’t remember the number of days you have to spend in the hospital. My mother...
Clock’s Ticking… Medicare’s Open Enrollment Ends Saturday Dec. 7th!!
Hello Toni: "I was so glad I read your column on the Internet; I recently attended a Medicare Advantage meeting and was going to join with some reservations. After reading your article, I am thinking it may not be a good fit for me. My question is if I change to an...
I Have Cancer? Can I Change My Medicare Advantage?
Hi Toni, I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer. My husband and I been enrolled in a Medicare Advantage HMO for about 5 years. I now, take expensive RX meds. When we enrolled in this Medicare Advantage HMO, it seemed like a good fit because most of our doctors...
Isn’t Obamacare Getting Rid of the Donut Hole??
Toni: "I remember hearing on the news that the “Donut Hole” is going away because of Obamacare. Is this true? I need serious prescription drug help for my 72-year-old mother. She got into the “donut hole” in May of this year. It has financially devastated her and...
Medicare Part B…Plan F…Part D…Yikes!! What Is The Difference??
Toni: I attended your “Confused about Medicare” workshop in September at Sugar Creek Baptist Church and I still I don’t understand the difference between Original Medicare’s Plan F and Medicare’s Part C or even D. What is with all the different plans and parts? I am...
Get Me Out of this Medicare Advantage Mistake!!
Toni: Last year, I made a big mistake and changed to a Medicare Advantage HMO from my Medicare Supplement and I want out!! I cannot even get a MRI with this company. I am in Galveston County and most of the doctors are not accepting these plans. What can...
I Have Medicare…Do I Enroll In Obamacare??
Help Toni: At church last week, we were discussing the new Obamacare insurance and are not sure if I should enroll in it. I am 68 year old male, retired last year and have a Medicare Advantage plan. I’ve been told that I need to disenroll since Medicare open...
Government’s Shutdown…How Do I Enroll in Medicare?
Hello Toni: With the government shut down, how do I enroll in Medicare? I am sure the Social Security office is a nightmare. Is there an easier way to do this without standing in line for hours? Neil from Sugar Land Good day Neil: With the government shutdown, many...
Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Tuesday Oct 15– Are You Ready!!
Dear Toni: "I turned 65 in Feb and did not enroll in a Part D, Prescription Drug plan. I’ve been told that I have to wait until Medicare’s Open Enrollment time to enroll in a Part D Prescription drug plan and even a Medicare Advantage plan. I thought I could enroll...
Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage Which Way Do I Go!!
Reader Alert: 2 weeks to October 15th… Medicare’s open enrollment begins… Dear Toni: What, if any, is the difference between "advantage" and "supplement”? And can you explain how Obamacare is affecting these plans. Thanks, Joseph Well Joseph: Choosing between a...
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