I missed writing about Medicare Advantage plans during open enrollment from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 when you can join, switch, or drop a plan. I always know when it occurs: my mail box and email are flooded with ads and TV and social media, too. I also get phone calls about the plans. Read more →

Caregivers can’t be pursued over friends or family members’ debts from nursing home facilities. A report by the CFPB gives examples of how this illegal debt collection affects consumers: A daughter: The nursing home sent my name to the collection agency as if this was a debt accumulated by me. Read more →

Scammers are targeting Medicare recipients with fake offers to get “free covid tests.” They’re calling, using TV and online ads, and setting up websites to try to get people to give them their Medicare information. If scammers get the information, they'll bill fraudulent charges to Medicare. And, the consumers never get any free covid tests. Read more →

It seems like a miracle. The Democrats finally came together and passed major legislation to benefit American consumers. It’s called the Inflation Reduction Act. U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said the law will have a lasting impact on the planet and will help lower costs for Americans across our country. Read more →

Every year, consumer agencies and groups report on the top consumer complaints of the previous year. Often, auto complaints top the lists. That’s the result being reported by the Consumer Federation of America. Auto sales and repairs are the No. 1 category of complaints made to local and state consumer agencies in 2021. Read more →

It’s so frustrating. The covid-19 level is high now in the county where I live. Yet, most people aren’t wearing masks indoors. When governors and health officials dropped mandatory mask requirements, they said when covid levels rise to “High” in a county, masks should be worn indoors again. Read more →

Every year during open enrollment, I warn people about the problems of signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan. Instead of getting health care through Medicare, with Medicare Advantage private organizations provide the service. It can be offered through an insurance company, an HMO, or a preferred provider organization. Read more →

Every year during open enrollment for Medicare Advantage plans, I write about them. Why? The plans are widely hyped, and older adults may switch to the plans and lose coverage. What’s Medicare Advantage? It’s a way to combine Original Medicare and a supplemental or medigap policy. Read more →

On the day when everyone makes jokes, remember not to make tasteless or inappropriate jokes about people, especially about how people look or their illnesses. Last night on “The Late Show,” Stephen Colbert had a sketch about women with “lesser-celebrated” accomplishments for Women’s History Month. Read more →

March is Women’s History Month. It’s difficult to figure out what to write. Women have made great strides in recent decades. However, so much remains to be done. And, what needs to be undertaken now and going forward so that women are include in the history of the United States and the world? Read more →