Self Employed…Should I Enroll in Medicare Part B?? Hello Toni: I need your help about enrolling in Part B or delaying it. I am self-employed with no employees, turning 65 with an individual Blue Cross/Blue Shield health plan that covers me and my wife. I have been...
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B is the part of Medicare that helps pay for the everyday medical care most of us use—things like doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive screenings, lab work, and durable medical equipment. It’s an essential piece of Medicare, but it also comes with rules that can catch people off guard: monthly premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, enrollment deadlines, and possible late penalties.
The good news? Once you understand how Part B works, it gets a lot easier to make confident choices, especially when it comes to timing, budgeting, and avoiding gaps in coverage.
Below, you’ll find ToniSays.com articles and resources that break down Medicare Part B into plain English, step-by-step.
READ: What Is Medicare? 2026 Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Your Coverage Options
Why is My Medicare Part B Premium Over $400 Monthly…I Was Laid Off!
Why is My Medicare Part B Premium Over $400 Monthly…I Was Laid Off! Dear Toni: Been reading your articles regarding COVID-19, being laid off, and enrolling in Medicare properly. I have not read an article on how to lower the premium if you are not making the...
Starting Medicare…Why Is Part B Costing $578?
Starting Medicare…Why Is Part B Costing $578? Toni: My Medicare begins June 1st and I have received my first bill which is $578.40 with the premium due by May 25th. I do not see this Medicare cost anywhere on the Medicare site or in any information I received when I...
Why Did Medicare Deny My Medical Claim?
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...
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...
What!! My Medicare Part B or D Penalty Is Forever?
What!! My Medicare Part B or D Penalty Is Forever? Toni: I am a 67-year-old female who never enrolled in Medicare Part B or D because I believe in holistic medicine and only take vitamins. I was under the impression that if I didn’t go to the doctor, I didn’t need to...
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...
Toni Says® Tips for Medicare Open Enrollment
Toni Says® Tips for Medicare Open Enrollment Toni: I just received a phone call saying there is a federal law that I change my Medicare during Medicare’s Open Enrollment? The Toni Says® office helped us with our Medicare decision in January when my husband retired...
America….Enroll in Medicare Part B at the Right Time!
America…. Enroll in Medicare Part B at the Right Time! Hello, Toni: My husband, John retired several years ago when he turned 65. He enrolled in Medicare Part A but declined Part B because I put him on my Blue Cross Blue Shield policy provided by my employer. Lately,...
Laid Off…Enrolled in Medicare… Why is My Part B Premium Over $400?
Dear Toni: Read your article last week about the “extra Part D premium” but did not explain how to lower the premium if you are not making the income you were before you retired. I received a letter from Social Security stating that I must pay $433.40 for Part B and...
