Here are some of the most common questions that we at the Sage PLUS Program (Hawai‘i SHIP) hear from individuals. If you have a general question, you can e-mail it to us at help@hawaiiship.org and we will address a couple of questions each Generations publication. For personalized help call 1-888-875-9229. AND if you really want to learn all about Medicare and also would like to help your community, become a Sage PLUS Volunteer. We have several exciting experiences waiting for you.
TEN MOST COMMON QUESTIONS:
Is Medicare only for people over 65 years old?
Medicare is for mostly for individuals over 65 years of age, but also for individuals with certain disabilities or those who have received Social Security Disability Income for 25 months. In Hawai‘i we have individuals with Medicare from ages 18 to 100+ years old.
What’s the best Medicare Health Plan in Hawai‘i?
The best plan is the plan that your providers will work with and covers the medication that you take. Medicare Health plans are very individual and you need to make sure you do your homework before you change plans. Understanding what your plan covers and what providers work with the plan will help you make the best use of your plan.
Does Medicare pay for long-term care?
Medicare pays for “skilled nursing” care on a limited basis. They do not pay for custodial or intermediate care.
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is our federal health insurance and is available to those 65 years and older and to individuals with certain disabilities.
Medicaid is Hawai‘i’s medical assistance program. It is a needs based program and individual qualify depending on gross income and assets.
What is a “Medigap” policy?
Medigap policies are also called “Medicare supplements”. These plans pay second after Medicare, are sold by private companies and the benefits are regulated by the government, but premiums are not.
Does Medicare pay for dental?
Original/Traditional Medicare does not pay for dental care. Some Medicare health plans have some coverage or a dental rider(additional insurance) that can be purchased.
Do physicians have to take Medicare patients?
Providers do not have to take Medicare, but if they take you as a client by law they must bill Medicare. If they have “opted” out of the Medicare program, they must provide you with that information and then you will be responsible for all charges.
Is there a penalty if I don’t take Medicare Part D-drug coverage?
If you do not sign up when you are first eligible and you don’t have drug coverage as good as Medicare’s, then you could face a one percent penalty for each month that you don’t have coverage. But more important is that if something happens and you need that drug coverage, you may have to wait until the annual enrollment period. (October 15-December 7 of each year).
What is Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C are Medicare contracted health Plans also known as Medicare Advantage plans. Private companies contract with Medicare to provide all your A & B benefits (hospital coverage, physician services, labs and X-Rays etc). Many of our Medicare Advantage plans also include drug coverage. These plans help you limit your out of pocket expenses, provide additional benefits not covered by Medicare and help with provider access.
I love my vegetarian friends and family (my daughter eats NO meat). This can get challenging at times, but there are some vegetarian dishes that are so good even the carnivorous type will take a bite or two. On friends and family gatherings, try serving poke’ that everyone can cheer about!
Each year in the United States, there are more than 700,000 strokes. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the country. A stroke is a medical emergency. It occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is reduced or interrupted. Nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people over the age of 65. It is the leading cause of long-term disabilities. African Americans have a higher death rate from stroke compared to any other ethnic group in the US.
The Acupressure Weight Loss and body image program provides an easy daily routine to balance your metabolism, appetite, and body’s energy system. Dieting alone is not enough. By actually working on your body - through gentle stretches, deep breathing, and self-massage on the acupressure points - you can transform your metabolism, eating imbalances, and cravings.
Nestled within the heart of historic Mo‘ili‘ili in Honolulu, The Willows sits upon one acre of lush tropical gardens, abundant with native Hawaiian flowers, and bordered by cascading waterfalls. Guests can enjoy award-winning dining outdoors or within one of the many private rooms. Like the Shangri-La of myth, The Willows is an unexpected oasis amid the hustle and bustle of the city. First-time guests usually catch their breath as they walk through the doors, while those who return always feel welcomed and at home.
The Willows Chapel has been the venue for many isle weddings, and is a popular choice for wedding receptions and other celebrations for up to 150 people in private rooms, as well as restaurant buy-outs for larger private events. Contact Keri Endo, Catering & Special Events Director for information, (808) 952-9200 ext. 63.
A special event occurs every four years called the Festival of Pacific Arts, where over 27 South Pacific nations gather to share their culture and develop friendships. The festival lasts for approximately two weeks and is filled with events from morning till night at different venues. There are over 2500 participants and many of the countries have competitions in advance to be sure they are represented by their best performers. There is no “competition” as the focus is on the celebrating and sharing of each other’s cultures. This year’s theme will be Culture in Harmony with Nature.
The festival is held in the summer, when school is out, as the local villages are responsible for the housing and feeding of participating delegations. This opportunity allows for sharing hospitality and cultural interactions between the locals and visiting countries.