Savvy Senior

Dear Savvy Senior, I know there will be a small cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits next year but what about Medicare? What will the Medicare Part B monthly premiums be in 2021, and when do the surcharges kick in for higher income beneficiaries? Inquiring Senior Dear Inquiring, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced their cost adjustments for 2021 and the increases for premiums and out-of-pocket costs for most beneficiaries will be modest. But if you’re a high earner, you’ll pay more. … [Read more...] about What you’ll pay for Medicare in 2021

Dear Savvy Senior, With my local Social Security offices being closed due to COVID-19, what is the best way to apply for my Social Security retirement benefits? Approaching 62 Dear Approaching, Because of the pandemic, all Social Security field offices across the country have been closed since March, so you can’t just walk-in, talk to a counselor and apply for benefits in person right now. But there are other ways to claim your benefits that are much easier and quicker. Here’s what you should know. How to Apply? The … [Read more...] about How to claim Social Security benefits during the pandemic

Dear Savvy Senior, I’m interested in tracking down some old friends I’ve lost touch with over the years but could use some help. What websites can you recommend that can help me find them? Tracking Tom Dear Tom, Thanks to the Internet, tracking down long-lost friends from many years ago is relatively easy to do and, in most cases, it won’t cost you a cent. Here are some tips and online tools to help you get started. Remembering the Details Before you begin your search, a good first step is to jot down any information you … [Read more...] about How to track down old friends online

Dear Savvy Senior, Will my Medicare benefits be affected if Obamacare is overturned by the Supreme Court? Concerned Beneficiary Dear Concerned, Unfortunately, yes. If the Affordable Care Act – also known as Obamacare – gets repealed by the Supreme Court next year, it will weaken Medicare and increase costs for beneficiaries. Here’s what you should know. Currently, about 60 million people are covered under Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and people of all ages with disabilities. Even … [Read more...] about What happens to Medicare if Obamacare is overturned?

Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you recommend for finding affordable prescription eyeglasses? I used to have vision insurance through my work but lost it when I turned 65 and signed up for Medicare. Need Spectacles Dear Need, Unfortunately, in 2020 it’s still true that original Medicare does not cover vision services, which includes routine eye exams and prescription eyeglasses – unless you’ve just had cataract surgery. While there’s no one solution to this common need, here are a few tips that can help you save. Medicare … [Read more...] about How seniors can save money on prescription eyeglasses

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you write a column on how to recognize elder abuse and what to do if you suspect it? Concerned Relative Dear Concerned, Elder abuse is a big problem in the United States that has escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the National Council on Aging, as many as 5 million seniors are victims of abuse each year, but studies suggest this crime is significantly under-reported. Only 1-in-14 cases of elder abuse ever get reported to the authorities because victims are usually too afraid, too … [Read more...] about How to recognize and stop elder abuse in the COVID era

Dear Savvy Senior, What is the best way to find online therapy services for my anxiety and depression? I just turned 63 and have become increasingly hopeless since the COVID pandemic hit and cost me my job. I need to get some professional help, but I’m also high risk for illness and very concerned about leaving the house. Need Help Dear Need, I’m sorry to hear about your job loss and the difficulties you’re going through right now, but you’re not alone. Because of the coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic downturn, fear, … [Read more...] about How to find an online therapist

Dear Savvy Senior, What is the best way to find online therapy services for my anxiety and depression? I just turned 63 and have become increasingly hopeless since the COVID pandemic hit and cost me my job. I need to get some professional help, but I’m also high risk for illness and very concerned about leaving the house. Need Help Dear Need, I’m sorry to hear about your job loss and the difficulties you’re going through right now, but you’re not alone. Because of the coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic downturn, fear, … [Read more...] about How to find an online therapist

Dear Savvy Senior, My mother passed away last week, and because of COVID we didn’t have a funeral. I would like to create some type of online memorial for her so family and friends can express their condolences and share their stories. What can you tell me about making an online memorial for my mom? Grieving Daughter Dear Grieving, I’m very sorry for your loss. Creating an online memorial for your mom is a great idea and one that’s become increasingly popular in the age of COVID. Thousands of families have created them for … [Read more...] about How to create an online memorial for a departed loved one

Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any resources that you know of that can help seniors detect fake news? My 75-year-old mother shares a lot of misinformation with her family and friends that she sees on Facebook. I’ve talked to her about it, but for some reason she has a difficult time deciphering real news from fake news and propaganda. Frustrated Daughter Dear Frustrated, Unfortunately, the digital misinformation problem your mom is experiencing is not uncommon. According to researchers from Princeton and New York University, … [Read more...] about Helping seniors recognize fake news and propaganda