15

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 23, 2024 Page 15 WONG | FROM PAGE 11 tax reductions for older residents participating in the senior work-off program, which is currently capped at $1,500; and • reduce the tax on shortterm capital gains from 12% to 8.5%. Other key roll calls taken by Representative Wong this session include votes to support: • legislation criminalizing “revenge porn” to address the unauthorized distribution of sexually explicit images or videos via text messaging and online postings, expanding the definition of abuse to include coercive control, and assisting survivors by extending the statute of limitations for certain domestic violence offenses; • salary transparency legislation to help address the gender and racial wage gap by requiring most employers to disclose the salary range for open positions on job postings; • comprehensive hospital oversight legislation, filed in response to the crisis at Steward Health Care, that would change how regulators monitor and contain costs, strengthen financial data reporting requirements, and require notice to patients before the discontinuation of essential health services; • a long-term care oversight bill that would provide enhanced protections for patients as well as expanded training provisions - LEGAL NOTICE - COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Essex Probate and Family Court 36 Federal Street Salem, MA 01970 (978) 744-1020 Docket No. ES24P2461EA Estate of: DONALD W. HOLLAND, SR. Also known as: DONALD HOLLAND Date of Death: 06/18/2023 CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Cheryl A. Holland of Saugus, MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Cheryl A. Holland of Saugus, MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration. IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 09/20/2024. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you. UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration. WITNESS, Hon. Frances M. Giordano, First Justice of this Court. Date: August 16, 2024 PAMELA A. CASEY O’BRIEN REGISTER OF PROBATE August 23, 2024 for the industry’s workforce to help address persistent staffing shortages at nursing homes and other longterm care facilities; • legislation to protect the privacy of patients accessing reproductive and other health care services, including those who utilize the state’s crisis pregnancy centers that provide abortion counseling, by prohibiting cell phone carriers and data providers from sharing or selling the individual’s location information; • legislation to expand access to non-hospital childbirth options for expectant parents in Massachusetts and establish a formal licensing process for certified professional midwives and lactation consultants; • a pharmacy access bill limiting out of pocket prescription costs for consumers and establishing a licensing process for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs); • legislation establishing a licensing process for alcohol and drug counselors and recovery coaches through the Department of Public Health (DPH) and requiring health insurers to offer policies covering prescribed opioid antagonists; • legislation expanding benefits for the Commonwealth’s veterans and service members, including access to behavioral health treatment and providing local-option property tax exemptions for service members; • legislation to protect Massachusetts homeowners facing foreclosure due to a municipal tax lien on their property from becoming victims of home equity theft; and • a series of animal welfare bills designed to ensure the safety of dogs placed in kennels, prohibit the use of exotic animals in traveling acts, and prevent the intentional misrepresentation of service animals. • Representative Wong represents the 9th Essex District. He currently serves on the following Committees: • Ranking Minority, House Committee on Rules • Ranking Minority, Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development • Ranking Minority, Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion • Ranking Minority, Joint Committee on Rules • Ranking Minority, Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development THE SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 14 hard plastics. The rest of the Facility’s features are free to use for any Saugus resident. Residents are also allowed three TVs or computers/CRT monitors for free per household each year. The Town of Saugus reserves the right to refuse any material if quanSa tity or quality is questionable. The final date the CHaRM Center will be open for the season is December 14. However, the Facility will be open the following winter dates, weather permitting: January 18, 2025, from Say nr y Senio by Jim Miller Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery? Dear Savvy Senior, How does Medicare cover cataract surgery? My eye doctor recently told me I’ve developed cataracts and should consider making plans for surgery in the next year or so. Almost 67 Dear Almost, Like gray hair and wrinkles, cataracts are an inevitable part of the aging process. Eventually, everyone (usually in their 60s) will develop cataracts, a condition that causes cloudy or blurry vision. The only way to correct this is through cataract surgery. Fortunately, Medicare does cover medically necessary cataract surgery, which includes removing the cataract and implanting a standard intraocular lens (IOL). This is a small, lightweight, clear disk that replaces the focusing power of the eye’s natural crystalline lens to restore clear vision. This procedure is performed using traditional surgical techniques or lasers. This coverage can be a substantial savings, since cataract surgery often costs about $1,800 to $2,800 per eye. Cataract surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, covered under Medicare Part B. Once you pay the annual Part B deductible, which is $240 in 2024, you’re responsible for the Part B coinsurance. That means you’ll pay 20 percent of the cost for covered services yourself. If you have a Medicare supplemental policy, also known as Medigap, you’ll have full or partial coverage for the 20 percent Part B coinsurance. If you happen to be enrolled in a private Medicare Advantage plan, rather than original Medicare, you’ll also have coverage for cataract surgery. However, you may have to pay different deductibles or copayments and need to use an in-network provider. You’ll need to call your plan to fi nd out its coverage details before you schedule surgery. What’s Not Covered Be aware that Medicare only covers cataract surgery with standard (monofocal) intraocular lenses, which improves vision at just one distance so you may still need glasses for close-up vision. Medicare will not cover premium (multifocal) intraocular lenses that can correct vision far away, up close and in between, so you can go glasses-free after surgery. Premium interocular lenses are expensive, costing approximately $1,500 to $4,000 per eye, which you would be responsible for if you choose to upgrade. Talk with your doctor about your options and costs before your surgery. Are Eyeglasses Covered? Even though Medicare usually doesn’t cover eyeglasses or contact lenses, it will pay 80 percent for one set of corrective glasses or contacts after cataract surgery. Medicare, however, limits its coverage to standard eyeglass frames and lenses. If you want to get deluxe frames, progressive or tinted lenses or scratch-resistant coating for glasses, you’ll need to pay those costs yourself. Medicare also requires that you purchase the glasses or contacts from a Medicare-approved supplier. Also, if you have any post-surgery complications or problems that are deemed medically necessary to address by a doctor, Medicare covers those expenses too. Any drops, antibiotics or other medication prescribed after your surgery would be covered by Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. y Senior nior ior

16 Publizr Home