Breaking News

Life

Medicare Savings Program Can Help Some

Senior News

Question: I hear other people talk about benefits that pay their Medicare Part B premium. What is that and how do I get that? Answer: The program I believe you are asking about is called the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). This is a Medicaid benefit administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS) in Chautauqua Co. Each year the income levels change, and this is new income information just released from the Federal Government. Often our gross income is different than our Net income. (I remember the difference with a rhyme, “Net is what you Get”.) With regards to Social ...

A Common Starling

Nature

You can find birds living just about anywhere if you stop to look around for a bit, but in most cases the actual breakdown of species is going to look different in an urban area than it is in a nature preserve, rural area, or even a park and green space with forest or field habitats. There ...

Questions About Penalties For Non-Enrollment In Medicare

Senior News

Question: Medicare is complicated. I just found out there is a penalty if I don’t enroll. What are those penalties? Answer. This is a follow-up question to last week’s summary of all the Medicare parts. Last week I explained the different components of Medicare, when they started and some of the basic information. This week I will talk about the penalties if you don’t enroll. As I said last week, it is important to Remember, that all the different parts that make up the Medicare Benefits offered have different rules. Those rules can impact your situation and the penalties ...

Eyes To The Sky!

Nature

I think we can all agree that there was very little “real” winter to be enjoyed this year. The lack of snow and ice not only affects what we humans can do outdoors but also what our wildlife can do. This is the time of year when birds that winter in our area are getting ready to start ...

A Moth’s View Of Time

Nature

Time flies when you are having fun, but how does a moth feel about time? These are the thoughts that wake me up in the middle of the night and make me think (and have bizarre dreams). What does a moth notice about time? They don’t have watches, clocks or phones to tell time, or lose an hour ...

Things You Should Know About The Need For Medicare Part B

Senior News

Question: I have been told I need to sign up for Part B. How do I know if I do? Answer: Happy General Enrollment Period (GEP)! One of the most important rules to remember is that Medicare Part A, B and D all have different rules. This article defines the rules regarding Medicare Part B only. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will yearly send a letter to those with only Medicare Part A, stating that you may need to sign up for Medicare Part B. It is currently the General Enrollment Period (GEP) allowing you to sign up for Medicare Part B, January 1 to March 31 each ...