Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 24, 2026 OBITUARY Victor R. Rossi O f Saugus. Died on Tuesday, April 14th at the RegalCare at Courtyard Nursing Home in Medford surrounded by those who loved him most after a lengthy illness at the age of 91. Born in Everett, later moved to Malden, then Saugus, Victor was the son of the late Victor A. Rossi and Anna Rossi (Lynch). His passion for old movies, all types of food, spending time with family and babysitting his nieces and nephews were his greatest times and most loved memories. Tech Pak, a factory in Peabody for over 35 years. He is survived by his loving niece, Michelle McCarthy-Kesbia, her husband Rabah, and great nephew, Zachary, as well as, his brother Ronald Rossi of New York. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Carol McCarthy and brother, William Michael Rossi. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends were Victor attended Mass College of Art and had a talent for sketching and could draw just about anything. He worked at invited to visitation in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus on Friday April 17. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. LETTER | FROM PAGE 11 Public records are not the property of government officials. They belong to the people. Whether it is budget documents, communications, or internal analyses, these materials are essential for residents trying to understand how decisions are made and how public funds are being used. When those records are deHumane Removal Service COMMONWEALTH WILDLIFE CONTROL ANIMAL & BIRD REMOVAL INCLUDING RODENTS CALL 617-285-0023 Discount Tree Service 781-269-0914 * Interior & Exterior Carpentry * Kitchen & Bath * Roofs * Painting * Decks * Siding * Licensed & Insured * Free Estimates Carrijohomeimprovement.com Call 781-710-8918 * Saugus, MA Professional TREE REMOVAL & Cleanups 24-HOUR SERVICE Carrijo Home Improvement, Inc. General Contractor layed or withheld, it prevents informed participation and erodes confidence in government. Taken together, these issues point to a broader problem: a gap between the appearance of transparency and the reality of it. The law and the courts have made clear that technical compliance is not enough. You cannot satisfy the Open Meeting Law by holding a meeting that the public cannot attend. You cannot satisfy the Public Records Law by simply ignoring requests or responding only when compelled. Transparency requires effort. It requires intent. And most importantly, it requires respect for the public. This is not about politics or personalities. It is about the process. It is about ensuring that, especially during critical decisions like the town budget and school funding, residents are given a fair and open opportunity to observe, ask questions, and access information. Saugus residents deserve nothing less. If we want trust in government, we must earn it. That starts with following the law — not just in form, but in spirit. Elizabeth Marchese Town Meeting Member Precinct 6 Saugus, Mass. Savvy Senior by Jim Miller Where to Get Help with Medicare Decisions Dear Savvy Senior, I’ll be 65 in a few months and could sure use some help sorting through all the confusing Medicare options that are available to me. Where can I get help with my Medicare decisions? --Baffled Bob Dear Bob, With around 11,400 Baby Boomers turning 65 every day in 2026, you’re asking a very timely question. Many people approaching Medicare are confused by all the choices available today. In addition to original Medicare (Part A and B) that has been around for more than 60 years, you also have the option of enrolling in a Part D prescription drug plan, and a supplemental (Medigap) policy – both of which are sold by private insurance companies. Another option is a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans, also offered by private insurers, bundle hospital coverage, medical care, prescription drugs, and often extra benefits like vision, dental, and hearing into one policy. Most operate as HMOs or PPOs and require you to receive care within a defined network of providers in your area. Medicare Advantage plans have also faced increased scrutiny in recent years over prior-authorization requirements that can delay or deny certain services. To help you determine which path makes the most sense for your situation, there are several reliable resources available, depending on how much assistance you need. Tools and Resources A good starting point is the “Medicare & You” handbook, which provides a clear overview of the program and your options. You can download a copy at medicare.gov/medicare-andyou, and you should receive a printed version in the mail about a month before your 65th birthday. The Medicare website also features a helpful “Find a Medicare Plan” tool at medicare.gov/ plan-compare that allows you to compare health plans, prescription drug coverage, and supplemental policies available in your area. If you prefer to speak with someone directly, call Medicare at 800-633-4227, and a representative can walk you through your options over the phone. Another excellent free resource is your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides unbiased Medicare counseling either in person or by phone. To locate your local SHIP office, visit shiphelp.org or call 877-839-2675. You can also contact the Medicare Rights Center (medicarerights.org) at 800-333-4114 for help with specific questions. In addition, HealthMetrix Research publishes a free Cost Share Report at medicarenewswatch. com that compares Medicare Advantage plans by area based on cost-sharing and health status. Get Help If you’d like more hands-on help, you can work with a Medicare insurance agent. Keep in mind that agents are paid commissions by insurance companies, so it’s important to choose an independent agent who represents multiple insurers – not just one. That gives you access to a broader range of options. Also understand that commissions are typically higher for Medicare Advantage plans than for Medigap and Part D policies used with Original Medicare. As a result, some agents may have a financial incentive to recommend Advantage coverage. That doesn’t mean the advice is wrong, but it’s wise to ask questions and understand all your choices before enrolling. You can search for licensed agents through nabip.org, the website of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals. Taking the time now to compare your options carefully can help you avoid costly mistakes and give you confidence in the coverage you choose. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
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