Author: By Jim Miller Special to The Gazette
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Savvy Senior: How to find a cheaper Medicare prescription drug plan
Dear Savvy Senior, What’s the easiest way to compare Medicare Part D prescription drug plans? My Part D premium is increasing again in 2025, so I would like to use the fall open enrollment to find and sign up for a cheaper plan. — Shopping Around Dear Shopping, I’m happy to hear you’re comparing your…
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Savvy Senior: How SSI benefits can help struggling seniors and the disabled
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the SSI program and what are the eligibility requirements for seniors? I’m trying to help my elderly aunt who is very low-income. — Searching Niece Dear Searching, The SSI program that you’re inquiring about, which stands for Supplemental Security Income, is a program administered by the…
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Savvy Senior: If you’re 65 or older, it’s time to get your pneumonia shot
Dear Savvy Senior, I recently turned 65 and would like to know if am supposed to get the pneumonia vaccine? And if so, which type of vaccine do I need and is it covered by Medicare? — Relatively Healthy Dear Relatively, Yes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does indeed recommend the pneumococcal…
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Savvy Senior: How to arrange your own cremation service
Dear Savvy Senior, I would like to arrange a simple cremation that doesn’t cost me, or my family, a lot of money. Can you offer any tips that can help me with this? — Still Kicking Dear Kicking, if you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to go, cremation is an excellent choice, and…
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Savvy Senior: Health insurance options for early retirees
Dear Savvy Senior, I’m going to retire in a few months and need to get some temporary health insurance until I can enroll in Medicare at age 65. What are my options? — Early Retiree Dear Early, There are several places early retirees can find health insurance coverage before Medicare kicks in, but the best…
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Savvy Senior: How to find legal help when you can’t afford a lawyer
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any programs or organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to seniors? I believe I need some professional legal help but have limited income and very little savings. — Almost 70 Dear Almost, Whether you need help drawing up a will or a contract, or you’re facing some…
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Savvy Senior: What are the early signs and symptoms of diabetes?
Dear Savvy Senior What are the early signs and symptoms of diabetes? I’m 60 years old,and in pretty good shape, but was just diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. What did I miss? — Diabetic Dan Dear Dan, The signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can be so mild that many people miss them. That’s…
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Savvy Senior: Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?
Dear Savvy Senior, How does Medicare cover cataract surgery? My eye doctor recently told me I’ve developed cataracts and should consider making plans for surgery in the next year or so. — Almost 67 Dear Almost, Like gray hair and wrinkles, cataracts are an inevitable part of the aging process. Eventually, everyone (usually in their…
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Savvy Senior: How to choose a walk-in bathtub
Dear Savvy Senior. Because of my back pain and mobility problems, I’m interested in getting a walk-in bathtub that’s safe and easy to get in and out of. What all can you tell me about walk-in tubs, and can you recommend some top options? — Old and Achy Dear Old, For mobility-challenged seniors, a walk-in…
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Savvy Senior: Paying for nursing home care with Medicaid
Dear Savvy Senior, If my mother needs to move into a nursing home, what are the eligibility requirements to get Medicaid coverage? — Caretaking Son Dear Caretaking, The rules and requirements for Medicaid eligibility for nursing home care are complicated and will vary according to the state your mother lives in. With that said, here’s…