Saturday, July 18

ONE of Zimbabwe’s Great Man Gone RIP

ONE of Zimbabwe’s decorated freedom fighters and a member of the General Staff, Retired Major Blessing Matsikenyere, passed away on December 16 and has been buried at his rural home in Chimanimani.

 

 

 

 

 

Known by his Chimurenga name, Cde Kingsley Ndorumwa, the late military trainer and General Staff member, was honoured by family, comrades, and the community during his final farewell.

The local community and fellow freedom fighters spoke glowingly about the late liberation war hero, whose contribution to the liberation of the country is outstanding.

“We stayed with Cde Kingsly Matsikenyere at Nyadzonya before going to Mgagao together. We were both selected to be military instructors. After independence, he joined the Zimbabwe National Army,” War Veteran, Cde John Netsiyamwa said.

“This is a sad loss. He was a brave man. During the liberation war, we first met in Mozambique before meeting again in Zimbabwe at Dzapasi Assembly point before integration,” War Veteran, Cde Joseph Chinotimba said.

 

 

 

Cde Matsikenyere rehabilitated roads, among other works, before he became sick. He withdrew from the race to become a legislator due to health challenges and gave us his wife, Nokuthula Matsikenyere, and we worked with her very well. He was a unifier,” ZANU PF Central Committee Member, Patricia Kudhlande said.

The Matsikenyere family described him as a pillar of strength who left a void difficult to fill, with his wife, Cde Nokuthula Matsikenyere, speaking on his contribution in defending the gains of independence, a position acknowledged by the leadership in government.

“My father was a proud soldier. We want to thank the President for awarding him a liberation war hero status. My father was a jovial person. He was a caring and loving individual who loved his community. He was also very generous,” Family Spokesperson, Tendai Matsikenyere said.

 

 

 

Cde Matsikenyere fought hard to reclaim the then Chimanimani constituency from the opposition MDC party. He was a businessperson in Bulawayo. He supported Cde Undenge to win the election using his own resources. When he was sick, he supported me to become a legislator. I was then appointed to work in Tanzania, but I did not take the offer in order to take care of my husband. He supported me, and I could not leave her sick. Cde Matsikenyere has been sick since 2010 when he was attacked by a mild stroke due to diabetes and high blood pressure, which resulted in renal failure,” Surviving Spouse, Cde Nokuthula Matsikenyere said.

“As a province, this is a sad loss to the country and the ruling party. He fought to liberate the country, and he was known for helping his community,” Director in the Office of the Minister of State and Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Munyaradzi Rubaya said.

Comrade Matsikenyere was born on December 15, 1955, and joined the liberation struggle in 1975. When he crossed into Mozambique from Mutambara High School, he met Comrade Chris Mutsvangwa and the late Comrade Zororo Duri.

Upon arrival at Zhunda camp in Mozambique, he had his first historic encounter with the late President, Cde Robert Mugabe.

 

 

 

 

Later, in 1975, he was sent to Tanzania for military training, where he was trained by the likes of Vice President, General Retired Dr Constantino Chiwenga, and the late Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Perrance Shiri.

After training, he was deployed to Tembwe, where he served as a trainer. Comrade Matsikenyere later moved from Mozambique to Zimbabwe to train freedom fighters inside the country.

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Medicare Plans With Dental, Vision, and Hearing: What Is Really Covered?

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Medicare Plans With Dental, Vision, and Hearing

Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare does not cover every health need they expected.

Dental, vision, and hearing benefits are among the most searched Medicare topics because these services can become expensive.

Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer dental, vision, and hearing benefits, but coverage varies widely.

Does Original Medicare Cover Dental?

Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care such as cleanings, fillings, dentures, and most tooth extractions.

Some limited dental services may be covered only when connected to certain medical procedures, but routine dental care is usually not covered in the same way.

That is why many people compare Medicare Advantage plans or standalone dental coverage.

Medicare Advantage Dental Benefits

Some Medicare Advantage plans may include dental benefits.

These may include:

Cleanings
X-rays
Exams
Fillings
Extractions
Dentures
Crowns
Root canals

But the details matter.

Check:

Annual maximum
Copays
Covered procedures
Network dentists
Waiting periods
Frequency limits
Prior authorization
Out-of-network rules

A plan may advertise dental coverage but still limit major services.

Medicare Vision Benefits

Vision coverage may include:

Routine eye exams
Eyeglass allowance
Contact lens allowance
Discounts
Glaucoma screening
Diabetic eye exam coverage

Medical eye care and routine vision benefits are not always the same.

Check whether your eye doctor accepts the plan.

Medicare Hearing Benefits

Hearing benefits may include:

Hearing exams
Hearing aid allowance
Fitting support
Discounts
Copays
Network provider access

Hearing aids can be expensive, so read the plan’s benefit details carefully.

Why Extra Benefits Should Not Be the Only Reason You Choose a Plan

Dental, vision, and hearing benefits are valuable, but they should not be the only factor.

Before enrolling, also check:

Doctors
Hospitals
Prescriptions
Specialist access
Out-of-pocket maximum
Referrals
Prior authorization
Travel coverage
Premium
Drug coverage

A plan with strong dental benefits may not be best if your doctors or medications are not covered.

Medicare Advantage and Extra Benefits

Medicare Advantage plans are private plans that provide Part A and Part B benefits and may offer extra benefits that Original Medicare does not.

Extra benefits vary by county and plan. Always compare the Evidence of Coverage.

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

Ask:

What dental services are covered?
Is there an annual dental maximum?
Are crowns or dentures covered?
Is my dentist in network?
How much is the eyeglass allowance?
Are hearing aids covered?
Which hearing aid brands are included?
Are referrals required?
Are my prescriptions covered?

Final Thoughts

Medicare plans with dental, vision, and hearing benefits can be helpful, especially for seniors who expect routine care costs.

But benefits vary widely.

Read the fine print before enrolling. A good Medicare plan should cover your medical needs first and extra benefits second.

Consumer Class Action Lawsuit: When Companies Can Be Sued

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Consumer Class Action Lawsuit: When Companies Can Be Sued

Consumers deal with companies every day. We buy products, subscribe to services, use apps, open accounts, finance purchases, and share personal information.

Most companies follow the law. Some do not.

A consumer class action lawsuit may happen when many customers are harmed by the same unfair, deceptive, or illegal business practice.

These cases can help consumers seek refunds, compensation, policy changes, or other relief.

What Is a Consumer Class Action?

A consumer class action is a lawsuit brought on behalf of a group of consumers with similar claims against a company.

The case may involve:

False advertising
Hidden fees
Subscription traps
Defective products
Improper billing
Privacy violations
Data breaches
Misleading pricing
Credit reporting errors
Unauthorized charges
Warranty problems
Failure to refund

The FTC enforces consumer protection laws and works to stop illegal business practices and return money to harmed consumers where possible.

Common Examples of Consumer Class Actions

Hidden Fees

A company may advertise one price but charge extra fees later.

Examples may include:

Service fees
Processing fees
Delivery fees
Convenience fees
Membership fees
Automatic renewal fees

False Advertising

A product may be marketed with claims that are misleading or unsupported.

Examples may include:

Health claims
Performance claims
“Free” trial offers
Environmental claims
Savings claims
Product origin claims

Subscription Cancellation Problems

Some lawsuits involve companies that allegedly make it easy to sign up but difficult to cancel.

This issue has attracted major regulatory attention in recent years. Recent FTC refund programs have involved claims connected to deceptive billing, cancellation, or subscription practices.

Defective Products

Consumers may sue if a product has a common defect that affects many buyers.

Examples may include:

Vehicle defects
Appliance defects
Electronic device problems
Safety hazards
Battery failures
Product contamination

Data Breaches

If a company fails to protect personal information, affected users may bring claims depending on the facts and applicable law.

What Must Be Proven?

A consumer class action usually needs more than customer frustration.

The case may need evidence showing:

The company made a false or misleading statement
Consumers relied on the statement
The company charged improper fees
The product had a common defect
The company violated a consumer protection law
Many people were harmed in a similar way
Damages can be measured

Every case depends on the facts and the law.

What Evidence Helps?

Useful evidence may include:

Receipts
Screenshots
Emails
Contracts
Terms of service
Advertisements
Product packaging
Photos
Bank statements
Customer service messages
Repair records
Cancellation attempts
Data breach notices

If you think you may have a claim, preserve documents.

What Can Consumers Receive?

A consumer class action settlement may provide:

Cash payments
Refunds
Account credits
Free repairs
Replacement products
Extended warranties
Identity theft monitoring
Debt forgiveness
Business practice changes

Not every class member receives the same amount. Payments may depend on documentation, number of valid claims, settlement size, and court approval.

Do Consumer Class Actions Always Go to Trial?

No. Many settle before trial.

A settlement does not always mean the company admits wrongdoing. Often, companies settle to avoid cost, risk, and uncertainty.

The court usually reviews class action settlements for fairness before final approval.

Arbitration Clauses and Class Action Waivers

Some companies include arbitration clauses and class action waivers in contracts. These can affect whether consumers may sue in court or join a class action.

The CFPB has explained that arbitration clauses can block consumers from bringing or joining group lawsuits, also known as class actions. However, a 2017 CFPB arbitration rule was later removed and has no force or effect.

That means consumers should review their contracts and speak with an attorney if arbitration is an issue.

Final Thoughts

A consumer class action lawsuit may be available when a company’s conduct harms many people in a similar way.

If you were charged unfair fees, misled by advertising, denied a refund, affected by a defective product, or harmed by a privacy issue, keep your records and speak with a qualified class action attorney.

Consumer rights are strongest when evidence is clear and action is timely.