Dear Savvy Senior,

What tips do you recommend to Medicare beneficiaries dealing with hefty medical bills? My husband recently had open heart surgery and is recovering slowly, but the medical bills are coming in fast and furious, and they’re putting us in medical debt.

– Struggling in Springfield

Dear Savvy Senior,

What tips do you recommend to Medicare beneficiaries dealing with hefty medical bills? My husband recently had open heart surgery and is recovering slowly, but the medical bills are coming in fast and furious, and they’re putting us in medical debt.

– Struggling in Springfield

Dear Savvy Senior,

I started a walking program a few months ago to help me lose weight, but I’ve been having problems with my legs and hips hurting during my walk, although they feel better once I stop.

Dear Savvy Senior,

Do you know of any car gadgets that can help older drivers? I drive a 12-year-old car and have arthritis in my neck, back, and knees that limits my mobility, making it more difficult to get in and out of the car and look over my shoulder to back up.

– Almost 80

Dear Savvy Senior,

Do you know of any car gadgets that can help older drivers? I drive a 12-year-old car and have arthritis in my neck, back, and knees that limits my mobility, making it more difficult to get in and out of the car and look over my shoulder to back up.

– Almost 80

Dear Savvy Senior,

I’ve read that retirees will be getting a nice cost-of-living increase in our Social Security benefits next year, but what about Medicare? What will our Medicare Part B monthly premiums and other Medicare costs be in 2023?

– Planning Ahead

Dear Savvy Senior,

I’ve read that retirees will be getting a nice cost-of-living increase in our Social Security benefits next year, but what about Medicare? What will our Medicare Part B monthly premiums and other Medicare costs be in 2023?

– Planning Ahead

Dear Savvy Senior,

What kind of changes can Medicare beneficiaries expect to see in the Inflation Reduction Act that was recently signed into law? I’m enrolled in Original Medicare and have a Part D prescription drug plan but spent more than $6,000 out-of-pocket last year on medications alone.

– Overpaying Paul

Dear Savvy Senior,

What kind of changes can Medicare beneficiaries expect to see in the Inflation Reduction Act that was recently signed into law? I’m enrolled in Original Medicare and have a Part D prescription drug plan but spent more than $6,000 out-of-pocket last year on medications alone.

– Overpaying Paul

Dear Savvy Senior,

Last year I received a “notice of change” letter from my Medicare provider. Should I expect another one this year, and what should I do with it?

– Medicare Rookie

Dear Savvy Senior,

Last year I received a “notice of change” letter from my Medicare provider. Should I expect another one this year, and what should I do with it?

– Medicare Rookie

Dear Savvy Senior,

What happens to a person’s possessions if they die without a will? I’m almost 60 years old and have never gotten around to making one, but the coronavirus crisis has made it a priority.

– Will-less Willie

Dear Savvy Senior,

I recently saw a news segment on TV about a government funeral assistance program available to families who lost loved ones during the pandemic.

What can you tell me about this? I lost my 78-year-old mother to COVID in 2021 and want to find out if I’m still eligible for any funeral funds, and if so, what I need to do to get them.

– Still Sad

Dear Savvy Senior,

I recently saw a news segment on TV about a government funeral assistance program available to families who lost loved ones during the pandemic.

What can you tell me about this? I lost my 78-year-old mother to COVID in 2021 and want to find out if I’m still eligible for any funeral funds, and if so, what I need to do to get them.

– Still Sad

Dear Savvy Senior,

I need to find someone honest and reliable to look after my estate, health, and long-term care when I’m no longer able to do it myself. I’m a 67-year-old recent widow with no children and one sibling I rarely talk to. Any suggestions?

– Solo Ager

Dear Savvy Senior,

How can a person know if they’ve had a minor stroke? My mother had a spell a few weeks ago where she suddenly felt dizzy for no apparent reason and had trouble walking and speaking, but it went away, and she seems fine now.

– Concerned Son

Dear Savvy Senior,

Can you tell me about stomach aneurysms? My father died from one about 10 years ago, and I’m wondering if that can increase my risk of developing one myself.

– Almost 60

Dear Savvy Senior,

What is the IRS standard tax deduction for 2021? I didn’t file a tax return last tax year (2020) because I lost my job and my income in March due to COVID. But I got a part-time job in 2021 and am wondering if I made enough money that requires me to file this year.

– Part-Time Retiree

Dear Savvy Senior,

Are there any tax breaks that you know of for family caregivers? I help financially support my 82-year-old mother and would like to find out if I can write off any of these expenses on my taxes.

– Supplemental Sam

Dear Savvy Senior,

Are there any tax breaks that you know of for family caregivers? I help financially support my 82-year-old mother and would like to find out if I can write off any of these expenses on my taxes.

– Supplemental Sam