I will be 65 and eligible for Medicare in a few months. I am interested in getting a Medicare Advantage plan to cover my health care and medications. What tips can you provide to help me pick a plan?

Medicare Advantage plans have become very popular among retirees over the past 15 years. Nearly half of all new Medicare enrollees are signing up for Advantage plans, accounting for about 42% of the entire Medicare market. Here are some tips and tools to help you pick a plan that fits your needs.

Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Medicare Part C) are government approved health plans sold by private insurance companies that you can choose in place of original Medicare. The majority of Advantage plans are managed-care policies such as HMOs or PPOs that require you to get your care within a network of doctors.

If you join an Advantage plan, the plan will provide all of your Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) coverage like original Medicare does. However, many plans also offer extra benefits such as dental, hearing and vision coverage, gym/fitness memberships, and prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans are also more affordable than if you were to purchase original Medicare, plus a separate Part D drug plan and a Medigap policy. Many Advantage plans have $0 or low monthly premiums and do not always have a deductible, but they typically have a high out-of-pocket maximum. In 2021, Advantage plan participants on average were responsible for an out-of-pocket maximum of around $5,100 for in-network care, and about $9,200 for out-of-network care.

How to Choose

To help you pick a plan, a good first step is to call the office managers of the doctors you use and find out which Advantage plans they accept and recommend. Then, go to the Medicare Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov/plan-compare to compare Advantage plans in your area. This tool provides a five-star rating system that evaluates each plan based on past customer satisfaction and quality of care the plan delivers. When comparing, here are some key points to consider:

Total costs: Look at the plan's entire pricing package, not just the premiums and deductibles. Compare the maximum out-of-pocket costs plus the copays and coinsurance charged for doctor office visits, hospital stays, visits to specialists, prescription drugs and other medical services. This is important because if you choose an Advantage plan, you are not allowed to purchase a Medigap policy, which means you will be responsible for paying these expenses out of your own pocket.

Drug coverage: Check the plan's formulary – the list of prescription drugs covered – to be sure all the medications you take are covered without excessive co-pays or requirements.

Dental, vision and hearing: Many Advantage plans come with dental, vision and hearing benefits, but are usually limited. Get the details on what exactly is covered.

Coverage away from home: Most Advantage plans limit you to using in-network doctors only within a service area or geographic region, so find out what is covered if you need medical care when you are away from home.

Out-of-network coverage: Check to see what is covered if you want to see a specialist in a hospital that is not in a plan's network. You can get a list of doctors and hospitals that take part in a plan on the plan's website.

Need Help?

If you need help choosing a plan, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program at ShipHelp.org or call 877-839-2675. Also see the HealthMetrix Research 2022 Cost Comparisons Report at MedicareNewsWatch.com that lists the best Advantage plans based on health status.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

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 am a 67-year-old widower with no children and no close family members. Any suggestions?

This is a big concern for millions of older Americans who don't have a spouse, children or other family they can depend on for their well-being. While there is no single solution to this issue, here are some tips and resources that can help you plan ahead.

Essential Documents

Before choosing a reliable decision maker, prepare a basic estate plan of at least four essential legal documents. This will protect you by making sure your wishes are carried out when you pass or in the event you become seriously ill.

These essential documents include: a "durable power of attorney" that allows you to designate someone to handle your financial matters if you become incapacitated; an "advanced health care directive" that includes a "living will" that tells your doctor what kind of care you want to receive if you become incapacitated; a "health care power of attorney," which names a person you authorize to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to; and a "will" that spells out how you would like your property and assets distributed after you die. It also requires you to designate an "executor" to ensure your wishes are carried out.

To prepare these documents your best option is to hire an attorney, which can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000.

Choosing Decision Makers & Helpers

Most people first think of naming a family member as their power of attorney for finances and health care, or executor of their will. If, however, you do not have someone to fill those roles, you may want to ask a trusted friend or associate. Be sure to choose someone that is organized and of younger age who will likely be around after you are gone.

Also be aware that if your choice of power of attorney or executor lives in another state, you will need to check your state's law to see if it imposes any special requirements.

If, however, you don't have a friend or relative you feel comfortable with, you will need to hire someone who has experience with such matters.

To find a qualified power of attorney or executor for your will, contact your bank, a local trust company or an estate planning attorney. If you need help locating a professional, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys is a great resource that provides online directory to help you find someone in your area.

Another resource that can help you manage and oversee your health and long-term care needs as they arise and act as your health care power of attorney, is an aging life care manager. These are trained professionals in the area of geriatric care who often have a background in nursing or social work.

If you need help with bill paying and other financial tasks, there are professional daily money managers that can help.

Aging life care managers typically charge anywhere from $75 to $200 per hour, while hourly rates for daily money managers range from $75 to $150 per hour.

It is also important to note that if you do not complete the aforementioned legal documents and you become incapacitated, a court judge may appoint a guardian to make decisions on your behalf. That means the care you receive may be totally different from what you would have chosen for yourself.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Due to the back pain and knee arthritis that I have been experiencing, I am interested in getting a power lift recliner for my living room that is easy for me to get in and out of. Does Medicare cover them?

Yes, Medicare does provide some coverage for lift chairs, provided your doctor prescribes it for a medical reason. However, Medicare will not cover the entire cost of the chair. Medicare will only pay for the motorized lifting mechanism, which is considered durable medical equipment (DME), and is covered under Part B. The other parts of the chair – the frame, cushioning, and upholstery – are not covered. Here are a few more details you should know.

What Is a Lift Chair?

For those who are not familiar with them, lift chairs, which look like traditional recliners, have motorized lift mechanisms that aid with standing up and sitting down for people with limited mobility. With the push of a button, a lift chair hoists a person from sitting to a position where they can comfortably stand up. It also works in reverse to help a person gently take a sitting position.

Medicare Coverage Requirements

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, to get coverage, you will need a prescription and a "Certificate of Medical Necessity" from your doctor that indicates your need for a lift chair. The conditions you will need to meet include:

• Experiencing severe arthritis of the hip or knee, or a severe neuromuscular disease.
• Inability to stand up on your own from a regular chair.
• Once standing, you can walk independently or with the aid of a walker or cane.
• You do not reside in a skilled nursing, hospice or nursing home facility.

You will also need to purchase your lift chair from an equipment supplier that is enrolled in Medicare. To find and compare Medicare approved suppliers in your area go to Medicare.gov/medical-equipment-suppliers, type in your Zip code and "Seat Lift Mechanisms" in the equipment box.

If you do qualify, Medicare will pay 80% of the approved cost of the chair's motorized lifting mechanism, after you have met your Part B annual deductible. You, or your Medigap supplemental policy (if you have one), will pay the remaining 20% of the lift mechanism. You will also pay 100% of the remaining cost of the chair.

You should also be aware that if you do buy your lift chair from a Medicare supplier, you will likely pay for the total cost of the chair upfront and can seek reimbursement from Medicare thereafter. Lift chairs can cost anywhere from $400 to $2,000 or more depending on the fabric, options and upgrades. The Medicare reimbursement is usually between $250 and $300 depending on the state you live in.

Advantage Coverage

If you happen to get your Medicare benefits through a private Medicare Advantage plan, they too provide lift chair coverage, but they may impose different rules and will likely require you to see an in-network supplier. You will need to contact your plan directly for details.

Other Helpful Options

If you find that Medicare will not cover your lift chair or if you are looking for something less expensive, there are assistive products you can add to your current furniture such as the Stander EZ Stand-N-Go (Stander.com, $140), which has adjustable support handles that can be used on any sofa or recliner to help with sitting down and standing up.

Another way to make your furniture more accessible is by increasing its height with "furniture risers." These typically range from two to five inches in height and are inserted under the legs of your furniture. Costs range from a few dollars up to $50 or more and can be purchased at retail stores or online.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Can you direct me to affordable wireless smartphone plans for those of us who do not use much data? I use my smartphone primarily for texting and talking but need some data for checking my email and a few other things when I am away from Wi-Fi. Currently, I pay $30 per month but I am looking for a better deal.

There are several budget-friendly wirelesses providers for older smartphone users who are looking to save money by paring down their cell phone plan. Here are three low-priced options available that you can switch to without sacrificing the quality of your service.

Cheapest Wireless Plans

For extremely light smartphone data users, the lowest-cost wireless plan available today is through Tello which allows you to build your own plan based on your needs or budget. For as little as $6 per month you can get unlimited texting, 100 minutes of talk time and 500 megabytes of high-speed data. Increases in talk time or data may be added in $1 increments.

Tello uses T-Mobile's network and gives you the option to bring your existing phone or purchase a new device, while keeping your same phone number if you wish. If you would like to keep your current phone, make sure that it is unlocked. You can enter your phone's ID (dial *#06# to retrieve it) on Tello's website to confirm it is compatible with the network.

Another inexpensive plan to consider is the annual prepaid plan offered through Boost Mobile. For only $100 per year (or $8.33 per month), this plan provides unlimited talk, text and 1 gigabyte (GB) of 5G or 4G data each month. If you require more data, their $150 annual plan (or $12.50/month) gets you 5 GB.

Boost Mobile uses the T-Mobile and AT&T networks and allows you to use your existing phone (if compatible) or buy a new one.

A third option is Mint Mobile, which is recommended by Consumer Reports and has one of the best values for a cheap plan. Mint offers a $15 per month plan (plus taxes & fees) that provides unlimited talk and text, and 4 GB of 5G/4G data each month. Mint also uses the T-Mobile network and will let you use your existing phone (if compatible), or you can buy a new one.

Lifeline Program

If your income is low enough, another option is the Lifeline Assistance Program. This is a federal program that provides a $9.25 monthly subsidy that could go towards your phone or internet service.

To qualify, you will need to show that you are receiving certain types of government benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), SSI, public housing assistance, veterans' pension and survivors' benefit, or live on federally recognized tribal lands. Additionally, if your annual household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines – $17,388 for one person, or $23,517 for two – you will be eligible.

If you do qualify, contact a wireless provider in your area that participates in the Lifeline Assistance program and sign up for service with them. You can also ask your current company to apply your Lifeline Assistance benefit to a service you are already receiving if it offers the benefit.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

In IR–2022–52 the Internal Revenue Service reminded taxpayers to consider taking a deduction for a 2021 contribution to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). The contribution may be made prior to filing your tax return on April 18, 2022.

IRAs are a popular savings plan. Individuals with earned income may contribute to a traditional IRA and qualify for a deduction on their 2021 tax return. Traditional IRA or Roth IRA contributions are subject to many rules and limits. IRA contributions may be reduced for individuals with higher incomes.

1. IRA Contribution Limits — The basic rule for an IRA contribution is a limit of $6,000 for individuals under age 50. Individuals age 50 or older are permitted to add $1,000 as a "catch–up" contribution, for a total amount of $7,000. The contribution limit is not affected by rollovers of existing IRAs.
2. IRA Deduction Limits If Covered — If you are covered by a retirement plan at work and your income is above specific limits, you may be limited in your IRA contribution amount. A single person may take a full IRA deduction with $66,000 or less of modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). The IRA contribution is phased out between $66,000 and $76,000 of MAGI. If you are married and filing jointly or you are a qualified widower, the MAGI limit is $105,000 and the IRA is phased out over the next $20,000. Married couples filing separately have a limit of $10,000 of MAGI.
3. IRA Deduction Limits If Not Covered — If you do not have a retirement plan at work, there are higher limits. A single person or married person filing jointly whose spouse is not covered by a retirement plan may contribute any amount to an IRA even if he or she has a high income. If you are married to a spouse who is covered by a plan at work, the MAGI limit is $198,000 and the IRA deduction is phased out over the next $10,000. If you are married and filing separately with a spouse who is covered, the MAGI limit is $10,000.
4. Roth IRA Contribution Limits — If you are married and filing jointly or you are a qualifying widower and desire to make an after–tax Roth IRA contribution, you may do so if your MAGI is less than $198,000. The Roth IRA contribution is phased out over the next $10,000. If you are single or head of household, your Roth contribution limit is $125,000 and the amount is phased out over the next $15,000. If you are married filing separately, the MAGI limit is $10,000.
5. IRA Contributions After Age 70½ — For tax year 2021, there is no longer an age limit on contributions to traditional IRAs. You may contribute to a Roth or traditional IRA if you have earned income.
6. Spousal IRAs — If you file a joint return and your spouse has earned income, you are qualified to contribute to an IRA even if you did not have income. The limit for both spouses is the $6,000 or $7,000 contribution per spouse (depending upon age), but may not exceed your total earned income.
7. Tax on Excess IRA Contributions — If you contribute more than your qualified IRA amount, there is a 6% tax each year on the excess amounts in your IRA. To avoid a 6% tax on the excess contribution, you should withdraw that amount by April 18, 2022.

How effective is the shingles vaccine and what is the CDC's recommendation for getting it? My older siblings, both in their fifties, contracted COVID a few months back followed by shingles. Do you know if there is a connection between these viruses, and would the shingles vaccine have protected them?

Many healthcare professionals across the country have been urging their older patients to get the shingles vaccine (in addition to the COVID-19 vaccinations) during the pandemic because getting COVID-19 can increase your chances of developing shingles. The more severe case of COVID you get, the greater your risk for shingles.

The reason for this is because when you contract COVID-19 your immune system becomes compromised fighting off the virus, which gives shingles – a virus that already exists in your body if you have had chickenpox – a chance to reactivate.

Here is what you should know about shingles, the shingles vaccine, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations.

What are Shingles?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a burning, blistering skin rash that affects around one million Americans each year. The same virus that causes chickenpox causes shingles. The chickenpox virus that most people contract as children never leaves the body. Rather, it hides in the nerve cells near the spinal cord and for some people, it will emerge later in the form of shingles.

In the U.S., about one out of every three people will develop shingles during their lifetime. While anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, it most commonly occurs in people over the age of 50 and those with weakened immune systems. However, the virus is not contagious and it is not possible to catch shingles from someone else.

Early signs of the disease include pain, itching or tingling before a blistering rash appears several days later, and can last up to four weeks. The rash typically occurs on one side of the body, often as a band of blisters that extends from the middle of your back around to the breastbone. It can also appear above an eye or on the side of the face or neck.

In addition to the rash, about 20% to 25% of those who get shingles go on to develop severe nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN) that can last for several months or even years. In some rare cases, shingles can also cause strokes, encephalitis, spinal cord damage and vision loss.

Shingles Vaccine

The vaccine for shingles called Shingrix (see Shingrix.com) provides much better protection than the old shingles vaccine, Zostavax.

Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Shingrix is 97% effective in preventing shingles in people 50 to 69 years old, and 91% effective in those 70 and older.

Shingrix also does a terrific job of preventing nerve pain that continues after a shingles rash has cleared – about 90% effective.

Because of this protection, the CDC recommends that everyone age 50 and older, receive the Shingrix vaccine, which is given in two doses, separated by two to six months.

Even if you have already had shingles, these vaccinations are still essential given that reoccurring cases are a possibility. The CDC also recommends that anyone previously vaccinated with Zostavax be revaccinated with Shingrix.

It is important to note that Shingrix can cause some adverse side effects for some people, including muscle pain, fatigue, headache, fever and upset stomach.

Shingrix – which averages around $205 for both doses – is covered by most private health insurance plans including Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, but there may be a cost to you depending on your plan. Contact your insurer to find out.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

What is the best way to deal with older drivers who probably should not be driving anymore? My dad, who is 86, is determined to keep driving as long as he can.

For many families, talking to an elderly parent about giving up their car keys can be a very difficult and sensitive topic. While there is no one way to handle this issue, here are a few suggestions that can help you evaluate your dad's driving and ease him out from behind the wheel when the time is right.

Take a Ride

To get a clear picture of your dad's driving abilities, a good first step is to take a ride with him and watch for problem areas. For example, does he have difficulty seeing, backing up or changing lanes? Does he react slowly, get confused easily or make poor driving decisions? Does he drive at inappropriate speeds, tailgate or drift between lanes? Also, has your dad had any fender benders or tickets lately, or have you noticed any dents or scrapes on his vehicle? These, too, are red flags.

If your dad is willing, consider hiring a driver rehabilitation specialist who is trained to evaluate elderly drivers and provide safety suggestions. This type of assessment typically costs between $200 and $400. Use your preferred search engine to locate a professional in your area.

Transitioning and Talking

After your assessment, if you think it is still safe for your dad to drive, see if he would be willing to take a refresher course for older drivers.

These courses will show him how aging affects driving skills and offers tips and adjustments to help keep him safe. Taking a class may also earn your dad a discount on his auto insurance. Most courses cost between $20 to $30 and can be taken online.

If, however, your assessment shows that your dad really does need to stop driving, it is best to sit down with your dad and have a rational conversation about his safety and the safety of others on the road. Start by simply expressing your concern for his safety as opposed to beginning with a dramatic outburst.

For more tips on how to talk to your dad about this and evaluate his driving skills, the Hartford Financial Services Group and MIT AgeLab offers a variety of resources to assist you.

Refuses to Quit

If your dad refuses to quit, you have several options. One possible solution is to suggest a visit with his doctor who can give him a medical evaluation, and if warranted, "prescribe" that he stops driving. Older people will often listen to their doctor before they will listen to their own family.

If he still refuses, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles to see if they can help. You may also call in an attorney to discuss with your dad the potential financial and legal consequences of a crash or injury. If all else fails, you may just have to take away his keys.

Alternative Transportation

Once your dad stops driving, he is going to need other ways to get around. Help him create a list of names and phone numbers of family, friends and local transportation services that he can call on.

To find out what transportation services are available in your dad's area, use your preferred search engine to look up an agency on aging for assistance.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

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

Whether or not you are required to file a federal income tax return this year depends not only on how much you earned last year (in 2021), but also the source of that income, as well as your age and your filing status.

Here is a rundown of this tax season's IRS tax filing requirement thresholds. For most people, this is pretty straightforward. If your 2021 gross income – which includes all taxable income, not counting your Social Security benefits, unless you are married and filing separately – was below the threshold for your filing status and age, you may not have to file. But if it is over, you will have to file.

• Single: $12,550 ($14,250 if you are age 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2022).
• Married filing jointly: $25,100 ($26,450 if you or your spouse is age 65 or older; or $27,800 if you are both over age 65).
• Married filing separately: $5 at any age.
• Head of household: $18,800 ($20,500 if age 65 or older).
• Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child: $25,100 ($26,450 if age 65 or older).

To get a detailed breakdown on federal filing requirements, along with information on taxable and nontaxable income, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy of the "1040 and 1040-SR Instructions for Tax Year 2021," or you can get it online at IRS.gov.

Check Here Too

You also need to be aware that there are other financial situations that can require you to file a tax return, even if your gross income falls below the IRS filing requirements. For example, if you earned more than $400 from self-employment in 2021, owe any special taxes like an alternative minimum tax, or get premium tax credits because you, your spouse or a dependent is enrolled in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan, you will need to file.

You will also need to file if you are receiving Social Security benefits, and one-half of your benefits plus your other gross income and any tax-exempt interest exceeds $25,000, or $32,000 if you are married and filing jointly.

The IRS offers an online tax tool that asks a series of questions that will help you determine if you are required to file, or if you should file because you are due a refund.

You can access this tool at IRS.gov/Help/ITA – click on "Do I Need to File a Tax Return?" Or you can get assistance over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040.

Check Your State

Even if you are not required to file a federal tax return this year, do not assume that you are also excused from filing state income taxes. The rules for your state might be very different. Check with your state tax agency before concluding that you are entirely in the clear. For links to state tax agencies see Taxadmin.org/state-tax-agencies.

Tax Prep Assistance

If you find that you do need to file a tax return this year, you can file for free through the IRS at IRS.gov/FreeFile if your 2021 adjusted gross income was below $73,000.

If you need some help, contact the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (or TCE) program. Sponsored by the IRS, TCE provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 800-906-9887 or visit IRS.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate services near you.

You can also get tax preparation assistance through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide service. Call 888-227-7669 or visit AARP.org/findtaxhelp for more information.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.