Consumer World Original

Mouse Print*-- Verizon's Trade In "Any Phone" Offer for a Free iPhone 16 Pro Questioned

Verizon's current ad promising a free iPhone 16 Pro when you trade in "any phone in any condition" could not be clearer. The trouble is, it is not true. That story is in Mouse Print* this week.

That Online Pharmacy's Drugs Could Kill You

The US Drug Enforcement Administration is warning consumers about buying prescription drugs from rogue dealers advertising on social media and other websites. They may claim to save you money, but the drugs are often misrepresented or can be downright dangerous.

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(Re)Evaluate Your Medicare Options as Open Enrollment Starts

Medicare open enrollment begins Tuesday this week. That means it is time for seniors to decide which health insurance they want for 2025. The choice is between original Medicare coupled with a private supplement plan (aka medigap plan) or an all-in-one medicare advantage plan. And if you take the former, most people will need to buy a separate Part D drug plan. This stuff is not easy. Medicare.gov already has prices for advantage plans and Part D drug plans posted. Your state insurance department should have a handy chart of all supplement plan prices so you don't have to call each. (Those latter plans are standardized so shop by price and company customer service reputation.) Here are some of the issues you may face. MrConsumer generally dislikes advantage plans because many have limited provider networks, high copays and OOP maximums, and the possibility of denying claims. He prefers all-inclusive supplement plans (plan F or G in most states). But that is not best for everyone either. I urge all Medicare enrollees, old and new, to evaluate or re-evaluate the current plans because they keep changing. If necessary, seek independent advice in your state.