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.
What Are “Patient Rights” for Original Medicare? Dear Toni: I need your help regarding my husband’s parents who are in their late 80s. My mother-in-law has been sick for the past 3 years and my father-in-law has been her caretaker. He now has health issues and was...
Why Is My Medicare Premium an Extra $499? Toni: My husband, John and I need your guidance because I believe I have made a mistake enrolling in Medicare. Last year, John was laid off and lost his employer health insurance. I have enrolled in Medicare since I am...
Laid-Off … What Are My Medicare Options? Hello Toni: My husband, David, has been laid-off because of what is happening to the economy and rising gas prices. He is 68 and has never enrolled in Medicare. I am turning 65 this September and we both are covered under his...
Losing Employer COBRA with Dental Benefits and Enrolling in Medicare…What Do I Do? Toni, I will be eligible for Medicare in July and am now receiving cancer treatment from MD Anderson. I am currently on my ex-employer’s COBRA and searching for dental care when I go on...
Help…. Doctor Is Not Accepting Medicare? Hi Toni: This week, I went to see my primary care doctor and his office manager informed me that they are no longer accepting Medicare. I recently enrolled in Medicare and will have to pay upfront the complete bill and be...
Turning 65… Help Me Enroll in Medicare with SSA.gov!! Hi Toni: I am turning 65 in June and am not working full-time with employer benefits. I was surprised when I called Social Security and the Social Security rep told me to go online to SSA.gov to enroll in Medicare....
This week’s Toni Says Medicare column has a different twist and consists of frequently asked Medicare questions from Toni Says® readers around the United States. Thank you from the Toni Says® team for allowing us to help you navigate the maze of Medicare. “What...
Good morning, Toni: Have been reading your column for over a year and now I need some Medicare help. I am retiring and turning 65 in October. I had a triple bi-pass in January of this year. Last week I talked with the office manager at my cardiologist’s office...
Can Mom Qualify for Home Healthcare? Dear Toni: Help!!! My mother-in-law is 85 and lives in an independent living facility on her own. After hospitalization in November, she needs 24-hour medical care when she went home. We were told by the hospital and the staff at...
Mom Has to Pay 100% for Skilled Nursing…. Why?? Dear Toni, Please explain why my Mom must pay 100% for her Skilled Nursing stay. She recently slipped and fractured her back requiring a back brace. She was released from the hospital after only a 2-day stay. We were...
