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Conditions To Join Transamerica Supplement Plans

Question: I have original Medicare with a supplement, and my friend has similar coverage, but they pay a lot less. They said their supplement is through a company called Transamerica, so I called them to ask about enrolling in one of their plans, but they said they were no longer selling Individual Medicare Supplements in New York. Is there anything I can do to get a Transamerica plan, or lower my monthly premium? Answer: This is a question with many layers. When you use your Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement plan in New York State (and most states) they are ...

When To Sign Up For Social Security

Question: I am turning 65 this coming August and wondering: should I sign up for Social Security? Answer: You become eligible to file for Social Security Benefits when you are 62, and this is considered early retirement. For those born in 1960 and after, Full Retirement Age (FRA) for Social Security Benefits is 67. How much you receive is based on your work history, using the best 35 years of earnings and when you file for your benefits. As you are working throughout your life, your wages and taxes are put into the Social Security Administration (SSA) System. This earnings record is ...

Late Enrollment Penalty Letter Prompts Questions

Question: I am new to Medicare, and I just retired. I received paperwork telling me I have a Late Enrollment Penalty and have to pay more money for my premiums? What should I do? Do I have to pay this? Answer: (This is a second part to last week’s question. But this is addressing Part D Benefits). The steps for getting onto Medicare are different for everyone, and the timeline to join can be different too. Every individual has a different set of variables they bring to the table when discussing Medicare and when to join. Most individuals become eligible for Medicare ...

Third-Party Medicare Mailings Likely Legitimate

Question; I recently received a packet of information from a third party who appears to be affiliated with my Medicare Advantage Plan. It says I may be eligible for the Medicare Savings Program you talked about a few weeks ago. It wants me to fill out the paperwork and send all my personal documents to them, and they will apply on my behalf. Is this a good idea? Answer: I have recently received this type of question many times from individuals with Medicare Advantage Plans. Many of those Insurance companies, hire third party companies to handle this issue. So, the mail you received is ...

Office For Aging Services To Hold Expo May 21

Question: Last year about this time, there was an event in Fredonia, but I couldn’t go. Is that event being held again this year? Do you know anything about it? Answer: I think I know the event you are thinking about. The Chautauqua County Office for the Aging held an event called CHQAging Expo & Conference at SUNY Fredonia. They are holding that event again this year. So let me tell you about it. The CHQAging Expo & Conference is being held at SUNY Fredonia on May 21, 2026 at the Williams Center on the SUNY Fredonia campus. The event will go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event ...

Information For Seniors Considering Food Stamps

Question: I have considered applying for food stamps, but I don’t know a lot about them. Can you tell me more about the food stamp program? Answer: Certainly! I am and always have been a strong supporter of this program. The Food Stamp (FS) Program is known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This is a perfectly timed question as April is Senior Hunger Awareness Month. This month, we are reminded that access to nutritious food can be a challenge for many older adults in our community. Food insecurity ...