As a SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselor, I want to commend you on the excellent Cover Story “The Future of Medicare” in the October 2023 issue. It explains clearly the cons and pros of the two options Medicare beneficiaries have: original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. I’ll share it with my coworkers and encourage our clients to read it. I’d like to remind your readers that SHIP counselors offer free, unbiased, one-on-one assistance, counseling and education to Medicare beneficiaries. It’s available in all 50 states.

BEATRIZ LOWELL

CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA

Kudos to Dena Bunis for a very thorough article on Medicare. It’s easy to read and definitely answered many of my questions!

LORRAINE WILBY

ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO

My husband and I read the Bulletin from cover to cover and thoroughly enjoy it. It’s informative, and it often stimulates discussions about the topics you’ve covered. We were thinking about getting more life insurance [“7 Things to Know About Term Life Insurance,” Your Money]. The October issue helped us decide we don’t need it!

ROYNANE LISK

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON

Your article left out one excellent place to buy life insurance. For people eligible for employer-provided benefits, purchasing additional life insurance can be a great option. It has the benefit of group rates, spouse coverage, easy payroll deduction and often the option to buy a certain amount without providing evidence of good health. Many contracts include a portability provision that allows the employee to extend the life insurance after his or her employment ends.

LEAH REI

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

In “How I Solved My Great Big Prostate Problem” [Your Health], the author shared his story, and I’m sure his advice will help any man with BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Another medical procedure that specifically addresses BPH is prostate artery embolization (PAE). PAE is a noninvasive procedure every sufferer of BPH should investigate. The procedure is safe, easy, painless and highly effective. I had it done this past month and will add myself to the thousands of men who have undergone PAE successfully.

MICHAEL STACK

AUSTIN, TEXAS

The AARP Bulletin always has useful info, but this is the best I have read. The article on the relationship between vaccinations and brain problems was interesting. The Medicare versus Medicare Advantage plans article was informative and easy to understand. And good grief, the amount of money spent on those drugs. No wonder they can afford to advertise so much. Keep working to bring drug costs down.

BOB LEWIS

PORT ROYAL, SOUTH CAROLINA

An item in the September Financially Speaking column incorrectly characterized the tax treatment of property received as a gift. If the recipient sells the property, the basis used to determine the amount of a capital gain is the original owner’s cost, plus adjustments for improvements.

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