News
SNAP chips a great idea; keep fraudsters in perspective
3+ hour, 36+ min ago (156+ words) Salem News Adding security chips to the state's EBT cards to cut down on fraud in Massachusetts is a smart move that protects taxpayers' investment in the system. As the state rolls out the new feature, however, we must also…...
On COBRA after retiring? Enroll in Medicare the right way to avoid a penalty
1+ mon, 17+ hour ago (225+ words) Dear Toni: I retired from my employer in July when I turned 67 and enrolled in COBRA, which began August 1, instead of enrolling in Medicare. I was told that COBRA protected me from the Medicare penalty for 18 months. My sister showed…...
Healey unveils health insurance reforms
3+ mon, 5+ day ago (167+ words) Salem News Gale Warning from FRI 1: 00 AM EST until FRI 4: 00 PM EST Small Craft Advisory from THU 1: 00 PM EST until FRI 1: 00 AM EST BOSTON " Massachusetts health insurers will be required to streamline, and in some cases scrap altogether, pre-approval for…...
Life insurance options after 65
4+ mon, 2+ week ago (296+ words) Hi Toni: Recently, you wrote an article explaining hospice. Please let readers of your column know that there are other ways hospice comforts the caregiver when a loved one passes. My mother's hospice case manager and also her social worker…...
Don't be fooled by AI-assisted Medicare scams
5+ mon, 3+ week ago (532+ words) Q. I've heard scammers are using new technology like AI to trick people with Medicare. What should I watch out for during open enrollment? Small Craft Advisory from MON 11: 00 PM EDT until THU 8: 00 AM EDT Q. I've heard scammers are using new…...
Healey $2. 45 B spending plan seeks to buoy Medicaid
8+ mon, 5+ day ago (191+ words) BOSTON " Gov. Maura Healey is pitching a new $2. 45 billion spending plan to plug revenue gaps from the previous fiscal year and buoy the state's Medicaid program with federal funding cuts looming on the horizon. The supplemental budget, filed Thursday, calls…...
Health plans forced to scale back rate increases
8+ mon, 4+ week ago (196+ words) BOSTON " State health regulators have pared back proposed health care plan rate hikes sought by commercial insurers next year, rejecting two proposals that called for double digit increases." Small Craft Advisory until MON 8: 00 PM EDT Crews rescue two men during…...
Why was I denied enrollment in Medicare Part B?
1+ year, 3+ day ago (238+ words) On April 1, I went to the local Social Security office to apply for both my Social Security check and Medicare Part B, since I am turning 70 on April 20. On April 11 I received a letter from. .. On April 1, I went to…...
Know your options for a long-term care plan when there are health issues
8+ mon, 5+ day ago (567+ words) Morning, Toni: I am retiring in January, when I turn 70 and my wife, Sharon, will be 66. I have heart issues, with atrial fibrillation (AFib), and Sharon is a diabetic. Last month, we each applied for a long-term care policy and…...
Warning: Medicare advice from friends can be costly!
9+ mon, 3+ week ago (165+ words) I met with you in late 2024 for a Toni Says personalized Medicare consultation. I have a quick question regarding travel outside the United States because I'm planning a trip to Greece in a few. .. I met with you in late…...