By Betty Berry Wednesday, August 19, 2009    Q: Recently a friend and I were discussing healthcare coverage and she told me I should take my questions to an organization called HICAP. I’ve never heard that organization and don’t know what it stands for or how to contact them. Can you shed some light?

A: HICAP stands for Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program. It is an organization that can provide you with excellent unbiased information about healthcare for those who are covered or about to be covered by Medicare. Your friend was absolutely correct in suggesting you contact it.

HICAP’s counseling services are provided by fully trained volunteer counselors who are registered by the California Department of Aging and who act in good faith to provide information about health insurance policies and benefits to the senior population.

The counselors provide assistance to those with questions about Medicare, MediCal, Senior Advantage plans such as HMOs and PPOs, Medigap and long term...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Q: A friend of mine just told me she attended several presentations of interest to seniors at the Westlake Village Civic Center. Is this an ongoing offering?

A: Yes, Senior Concerns in cooperation with the city of Westlake Village presents a monthly seminar at the Westlake Village Civic Center.

Called “Senior Issues,” the series is scheduled for 1:30 to 3 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month except August and December.

These seminars are free, and no reservations are required.

For more information, call the Senior Concerns Advocates’ office at 495-6250 or Westlake City Hall at 818-706-1613.

Q: Many people like myself must use electronically operated life-support equipment. With the high cost of electricity, I was wondering if there is any program that assists with this expense?

A: Yes, there is a program to help with the cost of electrically operated life-support equipment. Southern California Edison has a program...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, August 5, 2009    Q: I am about to turn 65 and had planned to enroll in Medicare; however, a friend told me that since I was going to continue working, I shouldn’t enroll until I quit.

Can you explain how my continuing to work has any effect on when I should sign up?

A: Your question is one that many struggle to understand and your friend’s advice could be correct or incorrect depending on your particular situation.

First you must understand that Medicare consists of several parts. Part A is hospitalization coverage, Part B is medical coverage and Part D covers prescription drugs.

Medicare Part A comes to beneficiaries with no monthly fees. All beneficiaries should sign up for this coverage when they turn 65.

Medicare Part B — for doctor services, lab fees, etc. — comes with a price tag. There is a monthly premium for this coverage. Whether you should sign up for this coverage depends on whether you plan to continue working.

If you are 65 or older or if you have a spouse of any age who is working and either your or your spouse’s employer has 20 or more employees, that employer must offer you the same health insurance that is offered to younger workers and their spouses.

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By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 29, 2009   Q: All the talk about healthcare reform has led me to thinking about my Medicare coverage and if I really understand all the parts and rules. Is there somewhere I could go to get a refresher course?

A: Understanding Medicare isn’t easy. There are numerous parts with different rules and a review of those parts and rules can’t hurt. Every year there are some changes and you need to keep up to date on your coverage to avoid unnecessary surprises.

You asked if there was somewhere to get a refresher course and I am glad to tell you that one is planned for August and it will cover the basics of Medicare and answer any questions you may have.

Medicare Basics is scheduled for Aug. 7 at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, from 1 to 3 p.m.

This seminar is open to everyone — those who have Medicare fee-for-service, those who have an HMO or PPO, those who are new to Medicare and those who have had Medicare for years. There will be information helpful to all.

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By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Q: All the talk about healthcare reform has led me to thinking about my Medicare coverage and if I really understand all the parts and rules. Is there somewhere I could go to get a refresher course?

A: Understanding Medicare isn’t easy. There are numerous parts with different rules and a review of those parts and rules can’t hurt. Every year there are some changes and you need to keep up to date on your coverage to avoid unnecessary surprises.

You asked if there was somewhere to get a refresher course and I am glad to tell you that one is planned for August and it will cover the basics of Medicare and answer any questions you may have.

Medicare Basics is scheduled for Aug. 7 at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, from 1 to 3 p.m.

This seminar is open to everyone — those who have Medicare fee-for-service, those who have an HMO or PPO, those who are new to Medicare and those who have had Medicare for years....

By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 22, 2009   Q: I have just returned to the Conejo Valley after being gone for five years and am trying to get caught up on activities that take place in the community. If I remember correctly, every summer Senior Concerns had a fundraiser called the Ultimate Dining Experience. Can you tell me if that event still takes place?

A: I am happy to tell you that Ultimate Dining is still an event in the Conejo Valley. This event is a fundraiser that enables Senior Concerns to provide vital services and programs to seniors, caregivers and their families.

Ultimate Dining 2009 is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 2, starting at 5 p.m. It will take place at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd., in Westlake Village.

Talented chefs will present gourmet selections featuring their favorite recipes, which will include Mediterranean, Southwestern and French influences.

In addition to fine dining, there will be silent and live auctions. For information or reservations,...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 15, 2009   Q: I just discovered an IRA that I started years ago in another state and forgot about. It is a small amount but even so, I would like to update the beneficiary. Is that difficult to do?

A: Well first, congratulations on finding lost money.

No, it is not difficult to change the beneficiary.

You will need to obtain a Designation of Beneficiary form from the trustee holding that IRA, complete the form and return it to the trustee.

Make sure to name both a primary and contingent beneficiary for each IRA you own. If you’re naming multiple beneficiaries, be sure each beneficiary’s share is clearly defined with a fraction or percentage amount or with the word “equally” if that is appropriate.

Verify that the records on file with your IRA trustee agree with your choices and keep a copy of your designations with other important papers and let your family know how to locate them if needed.

Q: I recently heard a doctor referred to as...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 8, 2009   Q: I am concerned about whether my parents are handling their finances properly and if or when I should attempt to help. Are there any signals that could alert me to specific trouble?

A: This is a situation that many families are faced with and one that both parents and children hesitate to discuss. Many families do not discuss finances until a crisis occurs and by then many times it is too late.

Some adult children hesitate to discuss financial concerns with their parents for fear of appearing overly interested in their possible inheritance. Others don’t want to think about the day when their parents are unable to manage on their own.

Parents, on the other hand, are often reluctant to admit they need help, while others equate asking for help with loss of independence.

Timely discussions before a crisis help. They help ensure your parents are part of the decision-making process. After all, we are talking about their lives.

These discussions...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 1, 2009   Q: In my everyday schedule, I deal with many older adults and am finding that communication is becoming more difficult. Are there any suggestions on how to make some improvement?

A: Since you didn’t mention the type of contact you have with these elders nor the reason for the difficulty I will address your question in general terms.

People may experience physical impairments that interfere to some degree with the ability to communicate.

The four common physical impairments that come to mind are hearing loss, loss of or low vision, speech impairment and cognitive ability.

If the person you are trying to communicate with has a hearing problem, make every attempt to be face to face when speaking, as most people do some lip reading.

Speak clearly and at your normal volume.

Your words will be much harder to understand if you are chewing or smoking. Remember to keep your hands or other objects away from your mouth or face and keep...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Q: Recently a neighbor returned home from the hospital and needed some assistance. I was surprised when I was told she had to pay for these services. Doesn’t Medicare pay for in-home care?

A: Although it sounds simple, in-home care is a complex subject and you are not alone in your thinking.

Keep in mind that Medicare pays only for “medically necessary” services. Medicare does not pay for “custodial” care.

Custodial care essentially covers the assistance with meeting the activities of daily living. It includes care with walking, getting in and out of bed, assistance with bathing, dressing, eating and going to the toilet.

It could also include preparation of special diets and supervision of taking medication that can be self-administered. It does not require the services of trained medical or paramedical personnel.

Home healthcare is skilled nursing care and certain other healthcare services received in the home for treatment of...