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.
Why Did Medicare Deny My Medical Claim? Dear Toni, My husband recently was laid off from his job and I needed to sign up for Medicare Part B. I only signed up for Medicare Part A when I turned 65 because his company insurance was excellent. When I went to the local...
Under 65 What Should I Do During Medicare Annual Period (aka Open Enrollment)? Reader Alert: Effective October 1st, the new Medicare.gov Medicare plan finder was released. Navigating this site is not easy. Please take your time when searching a new Medicare Part D...
Questions About Transitioning Into Medicare... Hello Toni: You have been referred to me as a resource that can answer questions I have about Medicare. I am turning 65 this December and have not discovered what I need to do to begin Medicare since I am still working?...
Will Medicare Pay for Injections Given in a Doctor’s Office? Toni: I am turning 65 in January 2020 and understand that Medicare is making changes, especially with Medicare Supplements. My under 65 individual health plan has a $4,000 deductible which I meet every year...
Toni: We are new to the Houston area and Hurricane Harvey absolutely stressed my wife because her 89-year-old mother is living in an assisted living facility and we live over 15 miles away from her. What can we do to be prepared for another hurricane or an emergency...
Toni: We get your column in our local papers. From you, I learned about Social Security’s “Life Changing Event” form (SSA-44) and the ability to appeal the extra IRMMA premium we are charged. I had an unusual stock sale in 2017 that put us in the highest bracket. ...
Toni, Two of my neighbors told my wife that they get free gym membership through Medicare. Any truth to that, as I never heard about this before? Regards, John Houston, TX Hi there…John: John, the answer is NO! Medicare Parts A and B do not provide a gym...
Toni: I have been receiving mail and phone calls about a new Medicare card that is being issued for those on Medicare. I’m getting a little concerned because neither my wife or I have received the new card. My wife went to her cardiologist and there was a sign saying...
Hello Toni, I am a TRS retiree and you are aware that my TRS Aetna Retiree plan was cancelled. I am concerned that my husband and I are not going to be taken care of medically since we are forced to change to the new TRS Medicare Advantage plan. I have heard from...
Morning Toni: I found that even when all the "i's" are dotted and the "t's" are crossed and the paperwork is filled out correctly that Social Security can still royally screw up. I personally filled the paperwork for Medicare with the words in Red written across the...
