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.
Hello Toni: I recently attended a Medicare Advantage meeting and was going to join with some reservations. After reading your article about the different Parts and Plans of Medicare, I am concerned that this Advantage plan may not be a good fit for me. My question is...
Toni Says Newsletter Alert: Around October 1, the 2018 Medicare & You handbook should have arrived in everyone’s mailbox with a surprise on page 32 titled, “Am I an inpatient or outpatient?” if you are currently on Medicare. What does that mean? Let’s discuss...
Toni: Last year, both me and my husband purchased a Medicare Supplement Plan G. The supplement has never paid a dime! We are still having to use the same doctor and get referrals from our Medicare Advantage HMO that we were using in 2016. Now the...
Help, Toni: I have discovered that my employer, CenterPoint, dropped my retiree Medicare group health plan beginning January 1, 2017. What do I do NOW? I am a 69-year old female retiring this October and enrolling in Medicare for the first time. My husband, Paul,...
Toni: Last year, I made a mistake and changed to a Medicare Advantage Plan because I understood from talking with my friends that this PPO plan was like a Medicare Supplement. Boy, was I wrong! I want out!! Most specialists and even the facility that does...
Hi Toni: I am 64 and will be 65 in early September. I plan to stop working at the end of September 2017. The Social Security office is confusing me regarding enrolling in Medicare since I turn 65 in September and retiring on the same month. I’m having trouble...
Hi Toni, I am turning 65 this August and have no idea what I should do because I have lung cancer. Currently I am on a COBRA policy from my old employer with all of my medical bills now being paid because I have met my deductible. I receive all of my care from MD...
Toni: I am a retired Texas teacher and I am turning 65 this October. I am absolutely mortified by the TRS changes that I am hearing through the grapevine. My doctor is not accepting Humana Medicare Advantage and I am concerned about future health issues. I have...
Hi Toni: This week, I went to see my primary care doctor and his office said that since Medicare is primary on my insurance, I would have to pay the complete bill and file the claim with Medicare myself. I am 68 years old and decided to retire with a May 1st effective...
Hello Toni: I am turning 65 this September and have great retirement benefits from the company I worked for 20 plus years. I have spoken with HR about what I need to do with enrolling in Medicare and they advised me not to enroll in Part B because I have...
