Learn More About Medicaid Savings Program

March 23, 2026

Question: I hear and get mail 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 and Cattaraugus Counties. 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 ...

Explaining Prescription Coverage In Medicare

March 16, 2026

Question: I changed my insurance for 2026 and I am having trouble with my Prolia shot - what are my options? Answer: First let me explain what Prolia is for those that may not know. Prolia is a prescription injection, administered by a healthcare professional. It is usually given once every six months. The medication is designed to treat osteoporosis in men and women. The ‘administered by a healthcare professional’ part of that description is the key part to understanding how it is covered. There are a number of similar medications to Prolia, like Reclast, but for this article ...

Get The Most From Your Insurance

March 9, 2026

Question: I received a bill from a doctor for a procedure they performed. How do I know if the amount is correct, and what I actually need to pay? Answer: The key to maximizing your medical insurance coverage is first being sure providers (doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, labs, and more) have your CORRECT insurance on file. Many of you have changed your coverage for 2026 and your providers may have missed that change. Now let’s speak to the process. Each and every procedure, provider, hospital stay, etc. needs to be processed by your insurance carrier using the standards that ...

Resources Available To Learn About Medicare

March 2, 2026

Question: I am 63 and am getting curious about Medicare coverage. What resources do you suggest? When should I apply for Medicare? Answer: Time does seem to fly by, and the older we get the faster it goes. I understand your eagerness to learn about Medicare. For most of our adult lives, we don’t have to think too much about our health insurance. It is usually one of the benefits we get from our employer or our spouse’s employer. Once a year they send us material to look over and decide which plan we want to choose from. The choices are usually limited to a few different types of ...

Using Veterans Benefits Can Help Seniors Who Qualify

February 23, 2026

Question: I have Medicare Part A & B. I am also a veteran. I never tried to get Veteran Benefits, is it worth it? Answer: Thank You for your Service! Your military service gives you the title of veteran and that is something to be proud of. Not all veterans sign up for additional benefits upon discharge. As a veteran, you could be eligible for medical care through the VA clinics and hospitals or eligible for a veteran pension. I do encourage you to work with the VA and see if you are eligible for any health benefits and potentially financial benefits. Chautauqua and Cattaraugus ...

Explaining Calls From Insurance Companies

February 17, 2026

Question: I keep getting calls from insurance companies asking about my Medicare coverage, I thought Open Enrollment was over? Answer: This is such a common question this time of year. I probably answer it very similarly every year this time of year. The Annual Open enrollment Period is from October 15 to December 7 annually. You are correct that period of time is in the past. From January 1 to March 31, we have what is called the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP). This is an opportunity for individuals with a Medicare Advantage Plan to switch to any other type ...