Betty Berry - Senior Advocate

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, March 9, 2010  Q: Some time ago you mentioned Senior Concerns Thrift Shop in an article and my friend gave me the address — but I lost it. Could you provide the address again and perhaps tell me a little about the shop and any special events they might be planning?

A: I am so glad your friend told you about Senior Concerns Bargain Boutique. Everyone who has ever entered the shop has had wonderful things to say about the merchandise.

First, the shop is at 80 E. Hillcrest...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, March 2, 2010  Q: I’ve read that one of the benefits under Medicare coverage is hospice care. Can you explain exactly what hospice care is and does that replace regular Medicare benefits?

A: Hospice is a type of care for the terminally ill.

The focus of hospice care is comfort and pain relief rather than treatment of the disease itself.

Those qualifying for hospice care can obtain medical and support services...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, February 16, 2010  Q: I recently made a purchase and paid for it with a check. When I received my bank statement, it showed that check to be an electronic check conversion. Can you explain?

A: What you experienced was a process where your check was used as a source of information — but the check itself was not considered as the method of payment. That information was then used to make a one-time electronic payment from your account.

When you provide your check, you must...

By Betty Berry, Monday, February 8, 2010  Q: I have a friend who is really in debt because of her credit cards. I’ve tried to talk to her about the problem, but my words seem to fall on deaf ears. I think if she read about credit card debt in your column, she might realize the trouble she is in. Will you help?

A: You have brought up a very serious problem that is being experienced by many, including seniors.

I’m sure most of us have known of those who have used their credit cards to extremes.

...

By Betty Berry, Monday, February 1, 2010   Q: I am a senior who has just become computer literate. I am enjoying my newfound hobby of visiting the Internet and have viewed a number of Web sites offering health information. How can I determine if the information provided is reliable?

A: First, let me congratulate you on becoming computer literate. It is the way of the future, and seniors should take every opportunity available to keep up with technology.

Seniors who don't learn how to use a computer...

By Betty Berry, Monday, January 25, 2010  Q: Each year in January, I promise myself to live a healthier life, and this year is no different. But I need some stimulation to get me going. Is there any event on the calendar to give me a push?

A: You and many others start the new year out with this promise to yourselves, and it is not a bad idea. Yes, there are several events on the calendar that would possibly give you that extra push you think you need.

Senior Concerns' next presentation in its Solving...

By: Betty Berry, Monday, January 18, 2010  Q: My friend and I are trying to get our legal papers in order and are having a disagreement on what paper or papers take precedence over others. She said that a will is the final word while I was always told that other ways of leaving money such as naming a beneficiary would be the form that would be followed.

Can you shed some light?

A: First, congratulations to both of you for putting your legal papers in order. It is so important to have these issues...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, January 12, 2010 Q: I received a letter from Social Security informing me that I have been overpaid and must repay Social Security. I don’t understand how this could have happened and don’t think I have been overpaid. I don’t know how to respond to this problem. Can you help?

A: Overpayment can occur in either Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and may be caused by a number of situations.

There could have been a miscalculation in determining the benefit amount or a duplicate check issued. In other cases, resources, income or earnings may be higher than the allowable limits or the beneficiary’s living arrangements may have changed....

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, January 5, 2010  Q: Each year there are changes in Medicare deductibles and co-insurance. As these changes are announced, I read or hear about them in bits and pieces. Could you recap these changes for 2010 so that I have them all in one place?

A: I would be glad to. The following changes became effective Jan. 1:

- This year there was no cost-of-living increase; therefore, your Social Security checks will remain at the same amount they were last year.

- In 2010, the monthly premium for Medicare Part B (medical coverage) will again be based on your adjusted gross income. This will be determined via your 2008 income tax return. The basic monthly premium that is deducted from your Social Security check for those single individuals earning $85,000 or less and for married couples earning $170,000 or less will remain at $96.40....

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, December 29, 2009  Q: With the busy holiday season almost behind us and a new year approaching, I am wondering if there are any seminars or workshops scheduled in January.

A: For a number of years, January has not had a lot of activity in the seminar-workshop area. However, from where I sit it looks like 2010 will be different.

I can tell you about four events scheduled for the first half of January. Each addresses a subject of interest to a particular group of people, so I am sure you will find at least one of them of interest to you.

Senior Concerns and Coast Caregiver Resource Center, a program of Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, are co-sponsoring a seminar, “Coping Strategies for Family Caregivers.” It is scheduled for Jan. 12, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, at 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks.....