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Senior Looking For Insurance After Being Laid Off

Senior News

Question: I am over 65 and until recently I was working full-time. I just got laid off from my job and am overwhelmed with everything that I have to change. Where do I look for insurance? I don’t know where to begin. Answer: First, let me say how sorry I am for the abrupt life changes you are trying to cope with. I have talked with so many individuals over the years who have this happen. We sometimes forget that when we hear those numbers “700 individuals laid off at …” that those are lives and people that we know. All of us hope to someday retire, but many of us are having to ...

What Is A Watershed And Why Do They Matter?

Nature

A watershed is an area of land where all the water – whether from rain, snowmelt, springs, or creeks – drains into a common water body, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Think of it like a giant funnel: everything that falls within its boundaries eventually flows to the same destination. If ...

How To Handle Change In Medicaid Part B Premium

Senior News

Question: I just received a document from the Chautauqua County Department of Health & Human Services, telling me I no longer have New York State paying my Medicare Part B Premium. Now what do I do? Answer: There are many programs under the umbrella of the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS); just one of them being Medicaid. There are also many types and levels of Medicaid. Without looking at the letter, I would guess that you had previously applied for one of the Medicare Savings Programs. We call them, QI-1, QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) or Medicaid. All three ...

Natural Insect Repellents Abound In Nature

Nature

Summertime comes with lengthy days, warm sunshine, beach visits, and beautiful greenery in the forest. However, summertime also comes with mosquitos, biting flies, and other insects that we consider bothersome and can leave us with red itchy splotches on our skin. To combat the irksome ...

Are Medigap Insurance Premiums Going Up?

Senior News

Question: I got a letter from my Medigap insurance company that says the monthly premium rates are going up? Is this a sure thing, and if so when will I start the higher rate? Answer: Well I have to say that I have heard this from a lot of people this week. AARP United HealthCare Options and Transamerica Financial, sent a letter to all their enrollees informing them of the proposed rate increase. The letter states that this increase has been submitted to the New York State Department of Financal Services, so it is NOT the final word. The formal announcement of the actual price increase ...

One Native Plant Can Make A Big Difference

Nature

You might think I’m a little crazy, but even with 68 acres full of milkweed, goldenrod, and joe-pye weed, I couldn’t bring myself to mow over one tiny milkweed by the mailbox. My husband laughed as I swerved the mower around it. We mow less these days, so why not let it grow? One more ...