Age Is Simply A Number
UNITED STATES—I have been grappling with something in the past few weeks. I have a birthday coming up and it is a bit of a milestone, and it has really forced me to reflect a bit on life. I think that is the problem with birthdays is they only come once a year, but when they come you get...
MyMedicare.gov Account Is Important To Processing Medicare Claims
UNITED STATES—Dear Toni, my husband recently retired from his job and because I’m over 65, I needed to sign up for Medicare. I had to go to the local Social Security with the Request for Employment Information signed my husband’s HR department to sign up for Medicare Part B. I asked if I needed to do anything else and...
Moving To A New Area: Essential Checks To Perform
UNITED STATES—Are you thinking of moving to a new area? There are many reasons why people decide to do this, such as moving closer to friends and family or moving due to employment reasons. Whatever the reason behind your decision to relocate, it is important to carry out certain checks to make sure you are making the right decision...
New Real Estate Data Suggests A “Bay Area Exodus” Is Underway
UNITED STATES—A lot of homeowners are leaving San Francisco. How many? Well, according to a new report out of the real estate company Zillow, inventory in SF rose 96 percent between 2019 and 2020.
Remote Work Flexibility
The obvious reason behind this rapid rise in empty homes is the COVID-19 pandemic. As more Californian tech companies allow employees to work remotely, San Franciscans...
Social Security Account Suspended…Need To Enroll Medicare Online!!
UNITED STATES—Help Toni: I am turning 65 in July and last week I tried to open a “My Social Security” account to enroll in Medicare online, but my Social Security account is locked out. Two years ago, someone falsely filed for a tax refund with my Social Security number. Now anything that involves me or my spouse’s Social Security...
Why Is Medicare Denying Paying For My Doctor Visit?
UNITED STATES—Hello Toni: I have a $900 doctor bill with a new cardiologists and Medicare says they will not pay? I recently retired and enrolled in Medicare and a Medicare supplement for freedom to pick my own doctor! This is too confusing for me. I need some advice…Thanks, Jane from Ft. Worth.
Hello Jane: I rarely see a problem with...
Can Enrolling In COBRA Cause A Medicare Penalty?
UNITED STATES—Dear Toni: I lost my job in September 2020 due to COVID layoffs in the oil industry and my wife and I are now enrolling in Medicare Part B since the company paid 18 months of COBRA is almost over…Now I am finding out that there will be a penalty for us by not enrolling when we should...
2023 Medicare Premiums And Costs Released Early!!
UNITED STATES—Hello Toni: I have recently enrolled in Medicare and received my 2023 Medicare and You handbook and cannot find what the 2023 Medicare costs will be? Do you have any idea what the new Medicare costs are? Thank You, Sarah from San Antonio, TX.
Hello Sarah: The 2023 Medicare Part B premium and deductible have decreased by approximately $7....
The Impressive Impact Of San Francisco’s Slow Streets Initiative: A Closer Look
UNITED STATES—When it comes to creative, efficient urban planning, San Francisco has always been a city to watch. The 'Slow Streets' initiative is yet another feather in the city's cap, proving that conscientious changes in urban design can lead to significant societal benefits. This policy, aimed at reducing car traffic on certain streets, was reported by KTVU to have...
October 15 Is Here…Know Your Medicare Annual Enrollment Options
UNITED STATES—Dear Toni, I turned 65 in February and did not enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. I’ve been told that I must wait until October for Medicare’s Annual Enrollment time. I need help now because I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and my brand name prescription is expensive. I thought I could enroll at any time of...