Whether you’re a Baby Boomer getting ready to enroll in Medicare, already on a plan and trying to make sense of your coverage, or helping a parent through the process… you’re in the right place.
Medicare is health insurance provided by the federal government. For most people, it begins at 65, but it can also cover younger adults with certain disabilities or specific medical conditions. It’s been around since 1965, and it can help with costs like hospital care, doctor visits, outpatient services, and prescriptions. The tricky part is learning how the “parts” fit together—and figuring out what you actually need.
Below, you’ll find ToniSays.com articles and resources that break down Medicare into plain English, step-by-step.
Are clinical trial prescriptions covered by Medicare? Dear Toni, I turn 65 in April, am covered under my wife’s employer’s health insurance and am fighting liver cancer. I am participating in a clinical trial for a cancer medication which costs over $12,000 per month...
Doctor no longer accepts Medicare…How do I file a medical claim? Hi Toni: I recently enrolled in Medicare. This week, I went to see my primary care doctor and his office manager informed me that they are no longer accepting Medicare. Instead, I will have to pay the...
2026 Medicare deductibles and premiums are released! Hello Toni: In the new Medicare & You Handbook that I received about a month ago, I cannot find what the 2026 Medicare costs and premiums will be. I would like to know this information because I have...
Doctor doesn’t accept Medicare Advantage…How do I return to Original Medicare? Hi Toni: I never should have listened to my brother, who bragged about how his Medicare Advantage Plan was a great way to save money and not have to spend so much on my Medicare...
Your 2026 Medicare & You Handbook is mailed in September Toni, I’m enrolled in Medicare but have not received my Medicare & You Handbook. I need to make some changes, and I’m concerned about what I should do during the fall Medicare season. I need to know...
Medicare changes its telehealth service rules Toni: I have been researching the changes to Medicare’s telehealth services over a computer video service that I saw on the news recently. I am concerned because my mother lives in an assisted living facility and her...
Human Resource Medicare Rules Hello Toni: I am a human resources manager for an oil service company and have a question about an employee. He is turning 65 and is still working full time. His situation is unusual because next month he will begin receiving...
Medicare problem began with a notice from CMS Hello Toni, When I turned 65, I continued to work with excellent company benefits. I delayed enrolling in Part B for 5 years after I turned 70 and retired with a Jan. 1 effective date for my Medicare Supplement Plan G and...
Medicare Basics for Baby Boomers Dear Toni, I am a confused Baby Boomer who needs to make my Medicare decision in November when I turn 65. I do not know where to start or what to do. Can you please help simplify this ordeal? Thanks Stephanie Hi Stephanie:...
How to inform Medicare that your income is lower. Dear Toni, I began taking my RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) from my 401(k) when I turned 72 and my Medicare premium in 2025 is $480.90 for Part B and $57.00 for Part D. Did taking my RMD with my Social...
