Dear Savvy Senior, I will be enrolling in Medicare in a few months, and would like to know how Medicare covers vision services? I currently have vision insurance through my employer but will lose it when I retire. Looking Ahead Dear Looking, Many people approaching 65 are unclear on what Medicare does and doesn’t cover when it comes to vision services. The good news is that original Medicare covers most medical issues like cataract surgery, treatment of eye diseases and medical emergencies. But unfortunately, routine care … [Read more...] about Does Medicare cover vision services?
Savvy Senior
How to choose a good home stair lift
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good stair lift companies? I have a difficult time getting up and down the stairs anymore and am interested in purchasing a stair lift for my house but could use some help choosing one. Arthritic Ann Dear Ann, A good home stair lift is an excellent solution for those with mobility challenges who have trouble with steps. A stair lift will carry you up and down the stairs in a safe seated position, providing easy access to the second story or basement level of your home. To help … [Read more...] about How to choose a good home stair lift
How to slow down cognitive aging
Dear Savvy Senior Are there any proven strategies to preventing cognitive decline? I have a family history of dementia and worry about my own memory and cognitive abilities as I grow older. What can you tell me? Almost 60 Dear Almost, For most people, starting in their fifties and sixties, the brain’s ability to remember names, multi-task or learn something new starts declining. While our genes (which we can’t control) play a key role in determining our cognitive aging, our general health (which we do have some control over) … [Read more...] about How to slow down cognitive aging
Do I need to file a tax return this year?
Dear Savvy Senior, What are the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? My income dropped way down when I had to retire last year, so I’m wondering if I need to file a tax return this year. Retired Ron Dear Ron, Whether or not you are required to file a federal income tax return this year actually depends on several factors: how much you earned last year (in 2018); the source of that income; your age; and your filing status. Here’s a rundown of this tax season’s IRS tax filing requirement thresholds. … [Read more...] about Do I need to file a tax return this year?
Helping seniors extend their driving years
Dear Savvy Senior, What tips or resources can you recommend to help elderly seniors extend their driving years? My dad, who’s 82, is still a decent driver, but I worry about his safety going forward. Inquiring Daughter Dear Inquiring, With more than 40 million licensed drivers in the U.S. over the age of 65, there are lots of resources available today to help keep older drivers safe and behind the wheel longer. Here are some simple steps you can take to help keep your dad driving safely. Get his eyes checked: Because about 90 … [Read more...] about Helping seniors extend their driving years
Could you have glaucoma?
Dear Savvy Senior, What are the warning signs for glaucoma? My 65-year-old brother lost some of his vision because of it but never had a clue anything was wrong. Could I be at risk too? Concerned Sister Dear Concerned, It’s called the “silent thief of sight” for a reason. With no early warning signs or pain, most people that have glaucoma don’t realize it until their vision begins to deteriorate. Here’s what you should know. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss and … [Read more...] about Could you have glaucoma?
Can you deduct Medicare costs on your income taxes?
Dear Savvy Senior, Can I deduct my Medicare premiums, deductibles and copayments on my income taxes? I had a knee replacement surgery last year and spent quite a bit on medical care out-of-pocket and would like to know what all I can write off. Frugal Dave Dear Dave, The short answer is yes, you can deduct your Medicare costs but only if you meet certain conditions required by the IRS. Here’s how it works. As a taxpayer, you’re allowed to deduct many medical and dental expenses as well as your Medicare out-of-pocket costs. … [Read more...] about Can you deduct Medicare costs on your income taxes?
Does Medicare cover dental care?
Dear Savvy Senior, I will turn 65 in a few months and will be enrolling in Medicare, but I am concerned about Medicare’s coverage of dental care. Does Medicare cover dental procedures? And if not, where can I get dental coverage? Almost 65 Dear Almost, Medicare’s coverage of dental care is extremely limited. It will not cover routine dental care including checkups, cleanings, or fillings, and it won’t pay for dentures either. Medicare will, however, cover some dental services if they are required to protect your general health, … [Read more...] about Does Medicare cover dental care?
What you’ll pay for Medicare in 2019
Dear Savvy Senior, I know there will be a small 2.8 percent cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits next year but what about Medicare? What will our Medicare Part B monthly premiums and other Medicare costs be in 2019? Curious Jim Dear Jim, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced their cost adjustments for 2019, and you’ll be happy to know that the standard Medicare Part B monthly premium for most beneficiaries starting in January will be $135.50, a modest increase of just $1.50 per month … [Read more...] about What you’ll pay for Medicare in 2019
Can you provide some tips on how to protect seniors from financial scams? My 76-year-old aunt was recently swindled out of $25,000 and I want to make sure my own mother is protected. Concerned Daughter
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you provide some tips on how to protect seniors from financial scams? My 76-year-old aunt was recently swindled out of $25,000 and I want to make sure my own mother is protected. Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned, Financial scams that target the elderly continue to be a huge problem in the U.S. In fact, it’s estimated that one in five Americans over age 65 are scammed out of roughly $36 billion every year. Here are some tips that can help you spot a scam, and what you can do to protect your … [Read more...] about Can you provide some tips on how to protect seniors from financial scams? My 76-year-old aunt was recently swindled out of $25,000 and I want to make sure my own mother is protected. Concerned Daughter