In the Donut Hole…I Need Help!!!
Toni, Please give me some advice because I am having some financial problems. I am concerned that I will get into the Donut Hole. I only receive about $1,050.00 income from my social security check. The Medicare Part B premium has reduced my SS check by...
NEW TO MEDICARE!! WHAT IS MY BEST OPTION?
Dear Toni, I will be turning 65 on January 23,2013and absolutely don't know anything about Medicare, how to apply, when to apply where to apply? How to select to what and when?? Which program is good and which one is not? I do have some health problems and am...
Can I Lose Medicaid by Receiving Social Security Disabiltity?
Toni: I have a question regarding Medicare versus Medicaid. It is a question that I have not been able to get an answer to from any resource. I am 58 years old and in April of 2010, I was diagnosed with stage IIIA metastatic breast cancer. I...
Retired Teachers Concerned About TRS Medicare Changes!!
Toni: I suspect you have had a number of questions regarding what is the best course for a Texas retired teacher (with expensive medical costs) and spouse to select between two alternatives; a new PPO Medicare Advantage plan or keeping the old plan at a slight...
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...
$0 Co-Pay Generics…Look Out Donut Hole!!
Toni: This year, my mother got into the “donut hole” in September. It has financially devastated her and she almost stopped taking her prescriptions. She can afford her co pays of $80.00 per month, but it shows on her statement that the true...
Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage-What’s the Difference?
Toni: I have been receiving different insurance companies marketing material and I am confused about the difference between a Medicare Supplement and a Medicare Advantage Plan. They all seem to be the same. How are we supposed to understand all of...
I’m a Veteran…Do I Need Part B?
Dear Toni: I am a disabled Viet Nam Vet and am finally turning 65 this November. I am just completely confused and really not sure with what I should do. I use Michael DeBakey VA Center for all of my Doctor visits and prescriptions. I...
Turning 65 and Still Working..Should I Delay Parts B & D?
Dear Toni, I have a Medicare question that affects my husband and me personally: He turns 65 on April 27, 2013. He plans on working until he is 66. As I understand it, his basic Medicare A kicks in at 65? Right? Then he waits until he's ready to retire...
Need Help Qualifying Mom for Medicaid’s Long Term Care Services!
Toni: I am not sure where to start with this but here goes: my mother is 78 yrs old and now lives with me full time. She receives about $1700/math from social security and has no savings and no other income. Most of her income is used to help pay for...
I Need Help Affording My Prescriptions!!
Toni: A few months ago, you wrote about how to stay out of or not get into the “Donut Hole” so quick. I have cancer and the cost of drugs associated with my cancer is eating my lunch. Can you please give me some tips on what to do or where I can go to...
Does Medicare Call Your House?? Or is this Medicare Fraud??
Hello Toni: I have a problem and I need your help. I am a 79 year old female who lives alone in Meyerland. Yesterday, a representative from Medicare called me asking all types of personal questions. I told them, I did not give personal information over the...