Doctor’s Advice…Enroll in Traditional Medicare…What is that? Good morning, Toni: I have been reading your Medicare column, and now I need your Medicare help. I am retiring when I turn 65 in April. I was hospitalized in November of 2025 with a triple bypass...
Medicare Part A

Medicare Part A is often called hospital insurance. It helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care (after a qualifying hospital stay), hospice, and certain home health services. Many people pay $0 monthly premium for Part A if they’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes long enough—but that doesn’t mean Part A is “free.” There are still important costs and rules to understand, like the hospital deductible, benefit periods, and daily coinsurance amounts for longer stays.
Below, you’ll find ToniSays.com articles and resources that break down Medicare Part A into plain English, step-by-step.
READ: What Is Medicare? 2026 Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Your Coverage Options
2026 Medicare deductibles and premiums are released!
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...
Is 24/7 home care after a liver transplant covered by Medicare?
Is 24/7 home care after a liver transplant covered by Medicare? Dear Readers: Recently, I received a text message from a Toni Says Medicare client that I would like to share with you. The text reads Toni: I need to put together a 24/7 home care recovery plan after a...
Do I enroll in Medicare’s Part A or B during the turning-65 enrollment time?
Do I enroll in Medicare’s Part A or B during the turning-65 enrollment time? Toni: I am turning 65 on April 4, working part-time and not eligible for my employer benefits, so I need Medicare. A friend gave me confusing information about enrolling in Medicare...
Losing Employer Benefits with Dental and Enrolling in Medicare…What Do I Do?
Losing Employer Benefits with Dental and Enrolling in Medicare…What Do I Do? Dear Toni, I will be eligible for Medicare in July and am now receiving cancer treatment. I am currently on my ex-employer’s COBRA and searching for dental care when I go on Medicare...
Are Injections Given at the Doctor’s Office Covered by Medicare?
Are Injections Given at the Doctor’s Office Covered by Medicare? Toni: I am turning 65 in March and my individual health plan has a $4,000 deductible which I meet every year due to shots of Lucentis for Macular degeneration which is over $2500 per shot given at the...
Does Medicare Pay for Diabetic Supplies?
Does Medicare Pay for Diabetic Supplies? Dear Toni: I am diabetic and I order my diabetic supplies from a mail-order program through my employer's benefits. Recently, I have been laid off and had to enroll in Medicare. How do I receive my diabetic supplies because I...
Does Original Medicare Have A Network of Specialists? I Have Cancer!
Does Original Medicare Have A Network of Specialists? I Have Cancer! Hi Toni, Turning 65 this October 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 my medical bills paid since I have met...
2020 Medicare Costs & Part B Premiums are Rising!
2020 Medicare Costs & Part B Premiums are Rising! Hello Toni: I have recently enrolled in Medicare and have received my 2020 Medicare and You handbook and cannot find what the 2020 Medicare Part A and B deductibles will be? Do you have any idea what the new...
How Can I Leave Medicare Advantage Plan and Return to Original Medicare?
How Can I Leave Medicare Advantage Plan and Return to Original Medicare? 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 has an in-network and out of network provider and...











