Ask Our Experts
By: Source: AARP Bulletin Today Date Posted: 2003-10-23 09:13:54
The AARP Bulletin's Ask Our Experts column provides answers to important questions affecting older Americans. Read below for this month's column, or review our archive of previously published questions and answers sorted by topic. (Note: Recent news or changes to regulations may affect the guidance offered in this previously published column.)
Submit your own question to the Ask Our Experts column via our easy-to-use online form.
Q. My husband recently had a stroke. Where can I learn about therapy, so we can get a better idea of what to expect?
A good place to start is the website of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. You will find a fact sheet with key information, including organizations you can turn to for help, at www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/
disorders/stroke.htm. One of these is the American Stroke Association, which provides various services. Its Family Support Network includes a toll-free information and referral service staffed by stroke survivors and caregivers. You can learn more about it by calling (888) 478-7653 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or by visiting the association's website at www.strokeassociation.org.—Expertise provided by Susan Raetzman and Molly Melvin
Q. I'm on Medicare and don't know whether I need medigap insurance. Where can I get information?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state insurance departments oversee medigap insurance, which is sold by private companies to supplement Medicare coverage. You can request information from CMS by calling (800) 633-4227. CMS also maintains a website, where you can obtain information. AARP has recently updated its online information on Medicare and related topics, including Medigap. AARP advises that before you buy a medigap policy, you examine alternatives that may cost less. It describes these alternatives and, should none suit you, provides a five-step process to help you find a medigap policy right for you. The site also contains a list of the 10 federally authorized standard medigap plans. A tip: Apply for medigap within six months of starting Medicare Part B to avoid denial of coverage or high costs because of pre-existing conditions.—Expertise provided by Geraldine Smolka and Joan Gibala
Q. My credit card company insists on sending me blank checks with my name on them. I'm afraid if one of the checks fell into the wrong hands I'd be left with a big bill. How can I stop this?
There's nothing to prevent this practice. Your best course may be to find a company that does not send such checks—though that may be difficult, since the practice is widespread. Barring that, your only defense is to make sure your mailbox is secure and destroy unused checks.—Expertise provided by Sharon Hermanson
Share
preview