ArcaMax

Toni:

I understand that there is a major change to the 2025 Medicare Part D plan with the “Donut Hole” going away. I’m concerned because this year, I entered the donut hole in July and will exit it in November. This month’s Part D statement explained that my prescription drug costs have exploded for the remainder of 2024.

If the “...Read more

Q: My mother told me she remembers a time when women had to "live in sin" (those are her words) to avoid losing Social Security benefits. She couldn't elaborate, but she thinks some senior women still have to do that today. Do you know what she is talking about?

A: Yes, I know exactly what she is talking about. It has to do with the payment of ...Read more

Reader Alert: Medicare Advantage and standalone Medicare Part D plans with specific 2025 plan changes and new prescription drug formulary updates should be released on the Medicare.gov website on Oct.1. This column was written before changes were announced.

Hello Toni:

Thank you for teaching us the value of finding the right Medicare option...Read more

I've learned over the years that when it comes to Social Security retirement benefit calculations, there are three kinds of people. There are those who just want to know what their benefit is going to be and don't really care too much about how it's calculated. Then there are those people who want a general idea of how their benefit will be ...Read more

Dear Toni,

My sister Sally has been qualified for Social Security Disability for the past 24 months, due to having heart issues, and is receiving her Social Security check. Last week, she received a letter saying that she will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B beginning Nov. 1. She is 64 and her individual health insurance plan ends when ...Read more

Dear Toni,

My Medicare starts Oct. 1 and I received my first bill, due on Sept. 25, about a week ago. This bill is for 3 months (Oct. 1 - Dec. 31) and is over $525. I currently have more than $10,000 on my Health Saving Account (HSA) debit card through my past employer, and I was wondering if Medicare will accept payments made with an HSA ...Read more

Reader Alert: A recent “Social Security Data Breach” has affected 2.9 billion people worldwide. Be cautious if you believe this event could have affected you.

Hello Toni:

I was watching the news and discovered that my Social Security number and personal information could have been stolen through the Social Security Data Breach. This ...Read more

Recently I enrolled in Medicare and have not received my Medicare & You Handbook. I’m concerned about what I should do during the Medicare season that happens in the fall. How do I find out which options are best for me? I have some health problems, and I’m concerned about making the wrong change.

I know that I will be bombarded by ...Read more