Q: I am in my 50s and beginning to plan for retirement. I'm wondering if there are any seminars that might address things I should be thinking about or doing now to help make that transition. Do you know of any?

A: I know of an event that is scheduled this month that may be of interest to you.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging and AARP are inviting individuals 40 to 60 to a presentation addressing "Mid-Life: Crisis or Opportunity."

The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon July 19 at the Technology Development Center, 5200 Valentine Road, Ventura.

Informational seminars will cover health insurance, job changes, caring for aging parents, lifestyle changes and financial planning for retirement.

A continental breakfast will be offered.

Reserva-tions are a must and needed by Friday. For information or to make reservations, call the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging at 477-7300 and mention the "Boomer Event."

If you have questions about affording to retire at 55 or making a career change or how to take care of parents, this is an event you shouldn't miss.

Q: On occasion, my doctor's office asks me to sign a release stating if Medicare doesn't pay, then I'll be responsible. Can you explain the reason for this?

A: Medicare beneficiaries are often asked by medical providers to sign advance notices agreeing to pay for specific services if the providers believe that Medicare will not approve payment for the services.

Many seniors believe that all medical services are covered by Medicare.

However, Medicare pays only for services and treatments that are "medically necessary," and regulations state that if the beneficiary knows or could reasonably be expected to know that Medicare would not cover the service or treatment, liability for the charges rests with the beneficiary.

Therefore, the provider of services must notify the beneficiary, in writing, before treatment is given stating that Medicare likely will not pay for the services.

In that advance notice, the provider must state the reason THAT the charge may not be covered.

In addition, the advance notice must give the patient an idea of why the provider believes that Medicare may deny payment.

This procedure allows the patient to make an informed decision as to whether or not to go ahead with the service and possibly be required to pay out-of-pocket.

The requirement for advance notice is not satisfied by a signed statement that merely states if Medicare denies payment, the patient agrees to pay.

It is also unacceptable for a healthcare provider to issue a general notice stating that Medicare denial of payment is possible or that the provider is never sure if Medicare will cover the service.

Providers should not give such notice unless they have some genuine doubt about the likelihood of coverage. Giving such general notice to all Medicare beneficiaries is not an acceptable practice.

If you are given such a notice and don't understand the reasons given, ask for a detailed explanation.

Ultimately, it is Medicare that determines if the treatment or services are covered.

Medicare also makes the decision about whether the proper issuance of an "advance notice" of possible noncoverage was provided.

If patients believe that they were given improper notices or choose to appeal advance notices, they may do so by submitting requests in writing to Medicare.

— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; or call 495-6250. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.