Savvy Senior

Dear Savvy Senior, Does Medicare cover outpatient counseling services for its beneficiaries? Since the death of my sister last year, I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety and would like to get some help. Sad Senior Dear Sad, I’m sorry for your loss. Yes, Medicare covers both outpatient and inpatient mental health services to help beneficiaries with depression, anxiety and many other needs. Here’s what you should know. Outpatient Coverage If you have original Medicare, your Part B coverage will pay 80 percent … [Read more...] about Does Medicare cover counseling services?

Dear Savvy Senior, I would like to find out if my 73-year-old aunt is eligible for food stamps or any other type of food assistance program. It seems that she has a difficult time affording enough food each month, and I would like to help if I can. What can you tell me? Searching Niece, Dear Searching, Sadly, millions of older Americans, like your aunt, struggle with food costs. According to a recent study by Feeding America, 5.5 million U.S. seniors age 60 and older are food insecure. Fortunately, there are several programs … [Read more...] about Food assistance programs can help seniors in need

Dear Savvy Senior, My husband, who lives at home, has dementia and I worry about him wandering off and not being able to get back. Can you recommend some monitoring technology devices or any other solutions that can help me keep tabs on him? Exhausted Spouse Dear Exhausted, This is a concern for millions of Americans caring for a loved one with dementia at home. About 60 percent of people who suffer from dementia wander at some point, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. For caregivers, this can be frightening … [Read more...] about Monitoring solutions for loved ones with dementia

  Dear Savvy Senior, A couple months back I read that the IRS will be offering a new senior-friendly tax form this tax season that will be easier to use. What can you tell me about this? Paper Filer Dear Filer, It’s true. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has created a new federal income-tax form specifically designed for senior taxpayers, age 65 and older, that should make filing a little easier this year, particularly those who don’t file electronically. Here’s what you should know. Form 1040-SR Created by … [Read more...] about IRS introduces a tax form created for older taxpayers

  Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve read that people with heart problems need to be extra careful during the winter months because heart attacks are much more common. Why is this? Cautious Senior Dear Cautious, Everyone knows winter is cold and flu season, but many don’t know that it’s also the prime season for heart attacks too, especially if you already have heart disease or have suffered a previous heart attack. Here’s what you should know, along with some tips to help you protect yourself. In the U.S., the risk of … [Read more...] about Why the risk of heart attack rises in winter

  Dear Savvy Senior, How do I go about changing or canceling a person’s social media accounts when they die? My sister passed away several months ago and her social media accounts are still active. Inquiring Sister Dear Inquiring, I’m sorry for your loss. This a question that’s become more frequent in recent years as most Americans have participated on some type of social media platform. Here’s a run-down of how you can change or cancel some different social media accounts after a loved one … [Read more...] about How to manage a loved one’s social media afterlife

Dear Savvy Senior, How do I go about appealing Medicare when they won’t pay for something that they covered in the past? Rejected Rhonda Dear Rhonda, If you disagree with a coverage or payment decision made by Medicare, you can appeal, and you’ll be happy to know that around half of all appeals are successful, so it’s definitely worth your time. But before going that route, talk with the doctor, hospital and Medicare to see if you can spot the problem and resubmit the claim. Some denials are caused by simple billing code … [Read more...] about What to do when Medicare tells you no

  Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any resources that provide free or low-cost legal services to seniors? I’m 68 and need some professional legal assistance but have limited funds. Need Help Dear Need, There are actually a number of free and low-cost legal resources that can help seniors in need, but what’s available to you will depend on where you live, the type legal assistance you need and your financial situation. Here are several options to check into. Legal Aid: Directed by the Legal Services … [Read more...] about How seniors can get free legal assistance

  Dear Savvy Senior, How do I go about making a family health history? Most of my relatives have died before age 65, so my doctor recently suggested I create a family history to help identify my own genetic vulnerabilities. Approaching 50 Dear Approaching, This is a very good idea. An accurate family health history remains one of the most important tools in keeping yourself healthy as you age, and the holidays when family members come together is a great time to do it. Here’s what you should know, along with some … [Read more...] about Does it run in the family? How to create a family health portrait

Dear Savvy Senior, Because of my mobility problems, I’m thinking about getting a walk-in bathtub that’s easy to get into and out of but could use some help selecting one. What can you tell me about walk-in tubs, and can you recommend some good companies that make and install them? Bubble Bath Betty Dear Betty, Walk-in tubs are a good option for mobility challenged seniors because they’re much easier to get into and out of than a standard tub, and will help prevent slips, trips and falls too. Here’s what you should … [Read more...] about How to choose a walk-in bathtub