Betty Berry - Senior Advocate

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...

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...

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...

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.

...

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...

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...

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.

...

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...

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...

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...