Senior Living

If you want Medicare Prescription Drug coverage to go along with Original Medicare, then you must enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan, and there may be a monthly premium. (Dreamstime/TNS)

Toni Says: Your 2026 Medicare & You Handbook is mailed in September

Senior Living / Toni Says / Sep 04, 2025

Toni,

I’m enrolled in Medicare but have not received my Medicare & You Handbook. I need to make some changes, and I’m concerned about what I should do during the fall Medicare season. I need to know which options are right for me. I have some health problems, and I’m concerned that I might make the wrong change to my Medicare and Part D ...Read more

With retirement comes Medicare — and Medicare questions. (Valentin M Armianu/Dreamstime/TNS)

Toni Says: Your “What if” Medicare questions answered

Senior Living / Toni Says / Aug 28, 2025

This week’s Medicare column consists of “What if” Medicare questions from Toni Says readers around the United States.

1. What if I did not enroll in Medicare Parts A and B when I should have, because I do not want to pay that extra Part B premium each month? I do not go to the doctor or take any prescriptions. Can I enroll later?

Toni ...Read more

Medical facilities, doctors, and providers who accept Medicare are available nationwide. There is no network for Original Medicare. (Dreamstime/TNS)

Toni Says: Is Original Medicare part of a health network?

Senior Living / Toni Says / Aug 21, 2025

Hi Toni,

I need your guidance. In September I turn 65, and I am unemployed. I’m on COBRA since retiring in May after I had a heart attack, and I don’t know what to do about enrolling in Medicare. The cardiologist informed me last week that the only thing that will improve my health is having heart surgery.

What health network does Medicare...Read more