Life

How To Handle Change In Medicaid Part B Premium

Senior News August 18, 2025

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 August 17, 2025

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 August 11, 2025

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 August 10, 2025

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 ...

Composting Helps The Planet. This Is How To Do It, No Matter Where You Live

Nature August 3, 2025

Most of what goes into U.S. landfills is organic waste, ranging from household food scraps to yard trimmings. That’s a problem because in that environment, organic waste is deprived of oxygen, which helps break material down. The result: the release of a lot of methane, a potent greenhouse ...

What To Know About Medicare Coverage If Traveling

Senior News July 28, 2025

Question: My spouse and I are traveling across the USA this summer. How will my Medicare insurance cover me? Answer: As with most questions I get, my answer is: it depends! So, let’s run down a couple of common situations. When you are using your Original Medicare Part A & B with a Medicare Supplement you have very comprehensive insurance wherever you go within the USA and our territories. You don’t need to think about networks and finding participating providers. That makes travel within the USA very easy. You can access healthcare throughout your traveling as necessary. Your ...