Wife Enrolls in TRS Medicare… Husband Loses Retirement Benefits…Why? Toni: My wife is a retired teacher and we are both on her TRS-Care Plan and also on my company retiree health insurance which I use for services at MD Anderson since I am...
Medicare Resources
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.
Can’t Afford to Pay My Medicare Premium Bill…
Can’t Afford to Pay My Medicare Premium Bill… What Can I Do? Toni: My Medicare begins June 1st and I have received my first bill which is $487.20. This bill is for 4 months from June 1st to September 30th. I thought Medicare was monthly. If I pay this amount, then...
Over 700,000 Are Receiving Medicare Penalties…Why?? They Didn’t Know the Rules!
Over 700,000 Are Receiving Medicare Penalties Toni: I desperately need your help! I have just discovered that my mother, who is 67, has never enrolled in Medicare Part B or D. She was under the impression that if she didn’t go to the doctor, she didn’t need to pay the...
Cancer Treatment Is Not Covered By Company Insurance…Need to Enroll in Medicare NOW!
Help Toni! I have developed a rare form of cancer that requires the use of proton therapy at MD Anderson and my problem is that our employer health insurance plan does not cover proton therapy. I will have to pay all of the costs from my 401K. Since I am over 65, I...
America…Social Security Enrolls You for Medicare When Leaving Your Job!!
The Process to Enroll in Part B After You Have Delayed Coverage Toni: I am a 67-year-old female whose 62-year-old husband was laid off from his job of 30 years because of low oil prices. We have always been covered under my husband’s group health insurance because...
Layoffs Predicted for 2016…
Know How to Enroll in Medicare When Losing Your Job!! Toni: I worked for a major oil service company in Fort Bend Cty and Dec.8th I was part of the 8,000 oil industry employees lay off. I turned 65 in June and only have Medicare Part A and delayed Part B because I...
Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?
Toni, Will be eligible for Medicare in 2016 and trying to compare Medicare to my current company benefits? I am concerned that if I need cataracts removed that this procedure will not be covered with Medicare. I can take my company dental and vision benefits when I...
What Should I Do During Medicare Open Enrollment?
Medicare Open Enrollment Toni: I turn 65 next March 2016 and am absolutely baffled by all of the mail I am receiving on this year’s Medicare Open Enrollment. Is there something that I need to do for this enrollment time? All of the mail is informing me that I need to...
Tips to Taking the Stress Out of Medicare Annual Enrollment
Medicare Annual Enrollment Toni: Read in your column last week that there is only 5 weeks to the Medicare Annual Enrollment period. I’m really confused on what I need to do. I am receiving so much mail that I am stressed about making the wrong decision and messing up...
Call YOUR Congressman!! 52% Medicare Premium Increase for 2016
Medicare Premium Increase for 2016 Hi, Toni: I meant to send you an article from the WSJ, concerning the likely increase in Medicare Part B premiums for 2016. However the article was somewhat confusing to me and may have been estimating the premium increases that are...
