Category: Articles

The Benefits of Medicare Advantage

A recent study concluded that beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans (also known as MAPD) spend almost $2,000 less per year on their healthcare costs when compared to those with Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug plan (Part D). Maybe the savings are because of the valuable extras that MAPD plans offer their members.

Medicare Advantage plans are required by law to cover everything that Parts A and B cover, but typically, these MAPD plans add numerous benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t offer. These might include vision, hearing and dental coverage as well as discounted chiropractic and acupuncture. Sometimes they offer free transportation, over-the-counter (OTC) products, gym membership and even a complimentary fitness tracker. Some Medicare Advantage plans value healthy activities to the extent that they are willing to reward members with gift cards for completing preventive screenings or exercising. Also, many MAPD plans charge a lower drug deductible than a stand-alone prescription drug plan. The truly surprising part is that these Medicare Advantage plans often have $0 monthly premiums.

Check with an expert to see if one of these plans might be beneficial to you.

THE MEDICARE GEEK
1221 Victoria St., #3103, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-724-4993 | robin@themedicaregeek.com
themedicaregeek.com

A recent study concluded that beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans spend almost $2,000 less per year on their healthcare costs when compared to those with Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug plan (Part D).
Guard Your SS Card

The best way to guard your Social Security card is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required. In fact, in most cases, just knowing the Social Security number should be enough. In 49 states and the District of Columbia, a Social Security card isn’t required to request a Real ID. Only Pennsylvania requires it.

Also, be careful about sharing your number. Always ask why your number is needed, how it will be used and what will happen if you refuse. Don’t carry documents that display your number.

If you need a replacement Social Security card, request one through your account. If you live in one of 46 participating states or the District of Columbia, and are requesting a replacement card with no changes, like a name change, use our free online service at ssa.gov/myaccount/replacement-card.html.

Visit “Social Security Number and Card” at ssa.gov/ssnumber to learn more.

For more information, read “How You Can Help Us Protect Your Social Security Number and Keep Your Information Safe,” at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10220.pdf.

Social Security’s Guard Your Card infographic at ssa.gov/ssnumber/assets/EN-05-10553.pdf will also help you understand whether or not you need to show your card.

Please share these resources with your friends, and family — and post them on social media.

For more information, visit socialsecurity.gov
or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

The best way to guard your Social Security card is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required. In fact, in most cases, just knowing the Social Security number should be enough.
It’s Medicare Season Again!

You know what that means! For millions of Medicare beneficiaries with a Medicare Advantage prescription drug or stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 is the annual open enrollment period. It’s an opportunity for current enrollees to look at the following year’s Medicare offerings and decide whether to keep their existing plan or select a new one. If no changes are needed, you do not need to do anything. If you do make a change, your new selection will become effective on Jan. 1, 2023.

How many beneficiaries change plans each year? The 2019 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey holds the answers. In 2019, 68 percent of all Medicare Advantage plan beneficiaries reported they did not compare their existing plan to other plan choices in the prior open enrollment season.

This may be a missed opportunity to lower costs and secure more benefits. For example, your existing plan could add or remove certain benefits or raise plan costs. A new offering may offer new features at lower costs.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recommends that beneficiaries review and compare Medicare plans annually. During Medicare open enrollment, you have the opportunity to follow CMS guidance and compare plans. If you are happy with your current plan, just enjoy your Medicare years.

GET2INSURANCE.COM FAMILY OFFICE
1003 Bishop St., Ste. 2700, Honolulu, HI 96813
800-226-3660 | martha@get2insurance.com
Get2insurance.com

You know what that means! For millions of Medicare beneficiaries with a Medicare Advantage prescription drug or stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 is the annual open enrollment period.
Grief & Bereavement — Part I

Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone special. The process of grieving allows the griever to adapt to a new world of existence without the loved one. If allowed to proceed through the grieving process with minimal guilt, anxiety, stress, unresolved issues and conflict, we can help each griever experience their grief fully and allow the griever to validate and honor the life of the deceased, and affirm and strengthen relationships with survivors.

When one thinks of making an estate plan, visions of rolling-hill estates and large brokerage accounts may come to mind. Clients often say that they want to establish an estate plan “to minimize tax and avoid probate.” Attorneys spend a great deal of time in post-graduate law school to learn the complex tax and probate laws to help clients with these goals. When we examine these goals in more depth, we find that they often represent unmet human needs which are expressed by avoiding probate and minimizing taxes. Clients experience these needs with emotions and feelings.

In realizing that each one of us will die one day, to different degrees, we experience fear, anxiety and anticipatory grief, because unlike any other living species existing on the planet, we humans share an acute awareness of our ultimate demise.

STEPHEN B. YIM, ATTORNEY AT LAW
2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96826
808-524-0251 | www.stephenyimestateplanning.com

Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone special. The process of grieving allows the griever to adapt to a new world of existence without the loved one. If allowed to proceed through the grieving process with minimal guilt, anxiety, stress, unresolved issues and conflict, we can help each griever experience their grief…
Choosing a Dignified Death

A Provider Order regarding Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) says what measures should be used to keep you alive in a medical emergency. It is different from an Advance Directive in that it will be followed by emergency personnel, provided that they are aware of its existence. If you don’t have a POLST, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are required to do whatever they can to restore and stabilize your heartbeat and breathing and take you to an appropriate facility for treatment. They will not read your Advance Directive and try to figure out how it might apply to your situation.

In some cases, resuscitation is not appropriate or wanted. A POLST, being a medical provider’s order, will be followed by the EMTs. Your Advance Directive will not come into play until you are in the hospital. At that point, the EMTs may not have done you any favors by keeping you alive. If you would not want to be resuscitated, talk with your doctor about having a POLST. If you would want the EMTs to follow normal lifesaving procedures, you do not need a POLST.

Your POLST should be printed on lime green paper so it is immediately recognizable. Post a copy by your bed and carry one with you when you leave home. Make sure loved ones know where to find it in an emergency.

SCOTT MAKUAKANE, Counselor at Law
Focusing exclusively on estate planning and trust law.
www.est8planning.com
808-587-8227 | maku@est8planning.com

A Provider Order regarding Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) says what measures should be used to keep you alive in a medical emergency. It is different from an Advance Directive in that it will be followed by emergency personnel, provided that they are aware of its existence. If you don’t have a POLST, emergency medical technicians…
How Will Rising Interest Rates Affect You?

The Federal Reserve (the Fed) has begun what it says will be a series of interest rate increases in an effort to slow the economy and temper the current surge in the inflation rate. At the start of 2022, the federal funds rate stood at near zero percent. By May, the Fed moved the federal funds rate 75 basis points (0.75 percent) higher.

What does this mean for you and your money? While Fed actions directly impact large financial institutions, they also resonate throughout the financial markets. In indirect ways, your personal finances can be affected by Fed policy.

Four ways the Fed’s rate hikes in 2022 could impact your bottom line:

1. HIGHER BORROWING COSTS

While the Fed’s rate hikes don’t directly affect most types of consumer loans, the direction the Fed sets on interest rates tends to carry over throughout debt markets. This could include:

• Home mortgages: Adjustable-rate mortgages will be the most directly affected, as they change in conjunction with general interest rate trends in the market. If you have a fixed rate mortgage, you won’t see any change.

• Automobile loans: While a variety of factors affect how interest rates are set on vehicle loans, you can expect these rates to increase as well.

• Student loans: Federal student loan rates are set and will not be directly affected. However, borrowers working with private lenders will likely see rates move higher as they are tied to the Fed funds rate.

2. MODESTLY HIGHER SAVINGS RATES

Investors have not earned much in terms of interest on bank savings accounts, money market accounts or certificates of deposit in recent memory. While it seems reasonable to expect that yields may improve modestly, the change may not be dramatic. Even with historically low interest rates, investors have directed significant sums to these types of vehicles. In the current market environment, some investors still have a desire for such “safe haven,” high liquidity investments regardless of the interest rate earned.

3. THE BOND MARKET

Fed interest rates strategies don’t impact the bond market directly, but Fed policy is watched closely by bond investors. This year, along with raising short-term rates, the Fed has also begun reducing the role it plays as a buyer in the broader bond market. That action could lessen demand for longer-term bonds, which can drive up interest rates. Even before the Fed initiated its new policies, the bond market already anticipated the change and interest rates began moving higher on most types of bonds.

4. THE STOCK MARKET

The stock market also tends to react to the Fed’s news, and with the central bank taking steps to slow the economy, investors anticipated the potential negative effects on publicly-traded companies. As a result of this and other factors, stocks lost value at the start of the year. It may be a good time to talk with your financial advisor about whether any of the changes mentioned above require you to update your financial plan.

MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP,® CFS,® CLTC, CRPC®
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-952-1222, ext. 1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com
www.ameripriseadvisors.com/michael.w.yee
Michael W. K. Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC, CRPC®, is a Private Wealth Advisor, Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Honolulu, HI. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 37 years. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. ©2021 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Federal Reserve (the Fed) has begun what it says will be a series of interest rate increases in an effort to slow the economy and temper the current surge in the inflation rate. At the start of 2022, the federal funds rate stood at near zero percent. By May, the Fed moved the federal…
Newborns & Social Security Numbers

Getting a newborn a Social Security (SS) number is important for his or her future. Feel free to share this time-saving information with prospective parents.

If the child is born in a hospital, the easiest way to apply for a SS number is right at the hospital. When information for the child’s birth certificate is given at the hospital, parents will also be asked whether they want to apply for a SS number for the child. If the parents say “yes,” they will be asked to provide both of their SS numbers, if possible. Even if the parents don’t know both of their SS numbers, they can still apply for a number for their child.

There are many reasons why a child should have a SS number. For example, a SS number is needed to claim a child as a dependent on income tax returns. A child may also need a number if parents plan to do the following for the child:

• Open a bank account.
• Buy savings bonds.
• Get medical coverage.
• Apply for government services.

Read Social Security Numbers for Children at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10023.pdf.

Applying at the hospital will allow parents to focus on the new family member.

800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) M–F, 8 am–5 pm
SSA Office Locator: www.socialsecurity.gov
Advance Designation FAQ: www.ssa.gov/faq (Other Topics)
Representative Payees Information: blog.ssa.gov

Getting a newborn a Social Security (SS) number is important for his or her future. Feel free to share this time-saving information with prospective parents. If the child is born in a hospital, the easiest way to apply for a SS number is right at the hospital.
Help Protect Our Kūpuna Against Crime

Every year, Hawai‘i residents are swindled out of money through many forms of crime. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that 2.4 billion robocalls made every month. Over 3,500,000 older adults are swindled out of nearly $5 billion in personal savings each year. The average loss is $34,200-plus for every senior who falls victim to a scam. More than $17 million per year are lost to internet crimes (2021) — and cases are expected to rise by 10 percent this year. During the first two years of the pandemic, the US Office of the Inspector General received over 1,500 COVID-related complaints. In addition, Medicare loses $70 billion per year to fraudulent claims.

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Hawaii aims to mitigate those losses through the help of volunteers who educate and empower kūpuna and their ‘ohana before they become victims of healthcare fraud or another scam.

You can help protect our kūpuna by becoming a volunteer. You can choose to be a counselor, presenter, information distributor, fair exhibitor or provider of clerical support. Training is available and volunteers learn at their own pace.

Gaining satisfaction from helping others without ever leaving home is just one of the benefits of becoming an SMP volunteer. Becoming a volunteer also offers the opportunity to stay informed of latest scams, such as phony government agencies, fake tech support, family or friends imposters, online shopping gimmicks, romance scam artists… the list goes on. Volunteers can also sharpen their computer skills to become a tech savvy senior, and learn about Medicare and community resources while having fun and making new friends who also have an interest in championing a worthy cause.

SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL (SMP) HAWAII
Department of Health — Executive Office on Aging
250 S. Hotel St., Ste. 406, Honolulu, HI 96813
808-586-7281 | Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
info@smphawaii.org | smphawaii.org
This project was supported in part by grant number 90MPPG0053 from the US Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy. *Sources: Star Advertiser, March 27, 2022; Consumer Affairs, Nov. 25, 2021; Comparitech, Jan. 11, 2022

Every year, Hawai‘i residents are swindled out of money through many forms of crime. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that 2.4 billion robocalls made every month. Over 3,500,000 older adults are swindled out of nearly $5 billion in personal savings each year. The average loss is $34,200-plus for every senior who falls victim to a…
Talk Story: A Favorite Senior Pastime

Talk story is a special and cherished activity among seniors at Roselani Place. Our activities director conducts a talk story twice a month and I also offer them from time to time. Talking story with our residents allows us to not only engage with them, but also encourages them to reminisce about the good old days, and learn more about one another.

Talk story — sharing history, ideas, opinions and the events of the day with others — is one of the great oral traditions in Hawai‘i. Ancient Hawaiians were known to be great storytellers. Formal storytelling would usually take place in the chief’s court, where renowned orators would perform. Talk story continues to culturally sustain us and keeps us connected with others.

Talking story in today’s world entails getting together with old friends or new acquaintances to socialize. Small talk and pleasantries naturally develop into in-depth conversations in which treasures of the past are recalled and revealed. Through talk story, we can discover and share where we grew up, where we are from, what school we attended, who we know and who we are related to. The reservoir of topics is endless.

And when I talk story with our residents, I realize just how memorable talk story can be.

ROSELANI PLACE (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
88 South Papa Ave., Kahului, Maui, HI 96732
808-871-7720 | Toll Free: 800-554-9853
info@roselaniplace.com | www.roselaniplace.com

Talk story is a special and cherished activity among seniors at Roselani Place. Our activities director conducts a talk story twice a month and I also offer them from time to time. Talking story with our residents allows us to not only engage with them, but also encourages them to reminisce about the good old…
Caregivers Must Ask Others for Help

When it’s a family caregiver’s sole responsibility to manage the care of a loved one, there will come a time when stress will get to a level where the caregiver becomes unable to perform self-care or continue to provide for their loved one. Getting others involved to help the caregiver will bring much-needed relief. Family caregivers can feel emotionally and physically drained with the constant tasks that come up, sometimes unexpectedly. Here are some examples of unexpected events:

FALLS: A loved one may be fragile enough to experience a fall that may result in some devastating outcomes, including head trauma, a broken hip or another broken bone. This would involve a trip to the emergency room and a call to the doctor to report the fall.

SKIN TEARS: Open skin is a magnet for infections, which will only serve to complicate care. Skin tears need proper attention.

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS: UTIs are hard to recognize when caregivers are busy. A sudden change in behavior, more confusion than usual or hallucinations are among the first signs. Often, our kūpuna do not have strong immune systems that signal the presence of a UTI with a fever or other typical sign of infection.

These challenges are common when caring for an elderly loved one and family caregivers need to be prepared to manage them and also allow others to step in to help as needed. Communicating the plan to others will make these problems seem less traumatic. Consider these recommendations for involving others when providing primary care for a loved one in need.

• Allow family members/friends to manage others that may be dependent as well, such as children, grandchildren or siblings.

• Seek out healthcare agencies that can provide respite and take over the family caregiver’s tasks a few times a week for a number of hours, or even a full day.

• Ask friends to run errands, such as picking up prescriptions, food and supplies, etc.

• Keep family members informed of all situations so they know when the tasks will increase as the loved one needs more advanced care. Plans can be altered to include other family members and friends.

• Just because family lives far away does not mean they cannot contribute. Ask for funds to pay for services and supplies.

• Consider support groups, including those online, to prevent feeling isolated. You may learn some new ways to feel more at peace.

• Find something to be grateful for every day. Meditate on these before starting your caretaking day, so you have a centered heart.

As the family caregiver takes on more tasks for their loved one, a wider circle of support should be available to routinely step in to provide ongoing respite. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! It will give both the caregiver and the loved one a better quality of life.

ATTENTION PLUS CARE HOME HEALTHCARE
Accredited by The Joint Commission
1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-739-2811 | www.attentionplus.com
AGING IN HAWAII EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM
by Attention Plus Care — a program providing resources for seniors and their families, covering different aging topics each month. For class information and upcoming topics, call 808-440-9356.

When it’s a family caregiver’s sole responsibility to manage the care of a loved one, there will come a time when stress will get to a level where the caregiver becomes unable to perform self-care or continue to provide for their loved one. Getting others involved to help the caregiver will bring much-needed relief.
The Best Summer Drinks for Your Teeth

Lemonade, iced tea, smoothies and juices all sound delicious during hot summer days. But beware of the sugar content, especially if you’re drinking more than one glass a day.

You probably already guessed that the most important drink is water! It’s good for your body and teeth. Most flavored and carbonated drinks have high sugar content, dehydrating additives and other chemicals to enhance flavor, and make you feel like you’re quenching your thirst.

Water helps cleanse your palate, dilute the acids in your mouth, and rinse away bacteria or food debris from your teeth and gums. Water also regulates your brain function and energy levels and helps fight dry mouth caused by some medications. Dry mouth isn’t only uncomfortable, it also raises your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. It’s best to keep a bottle of water nearby and sip from it throughout the day.

If you must indulge in a sweet drink or food occasionally, be sure to rinse your mouth with water to flush out sugar and acids that can break down the enamel of your teeth. Also, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist twice a year to live well and smile more at every age.

HAWAII DENTAL SERVICE (501(c) 4 nonprofit)
Kahala Howser, Wellness & Events Manager
808-521-1431 | khowser@hawaiidentalservice.com
www.HawaiiDentalService.com

Lemonade, iced tea, smoothies and juices all sound delicious during hot summer days. But beware of the sugar content, especially if you’re drinking more than one glass a day. You probably already guessed that the most important drink is water! It’s good for your body and teeth.
Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome

Work-from-home “virtual” employees must take precautions in order to preserve the health of their eyes.

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) isn’t a specific set of symptoms — it’s an umbrella term to describe the varying eye discomfort and symptoms caused by screen-related issues. It is almost impossible to avoid progressive vision issues with regular computer use. Adding some basic tools to your home office is vital to help maintain your ability to work via a screen on a regular basis.

Studies have estimated that between 70 to 90 percent of workers worldwide who use computers regularly experience symptoms related to CVS. CVS, also known as digital eye strain, can occur from extensive use of any device with a digital screen. Symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain. Any combination of the following factors can lead to CVS: uncorrected refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism), poor lighting, screen glare, and poor workstation setup for posture and viewing.

Some experts believe daily computer use may be a contributing factor to the rise in nearsightedness and dry eye disease.

The first step in protecting yourself from CVS is to correct any refractive error by visiting your eye care professional. Having the proper glasses, contact lenses or surgery to correct these issues will decrease any added strain on your eyes.

Next, make sure to properly arrange your workstation by:

• Positioning your monitor between 20 and 28 inches away from your eyes.
• Adjusting your chair to allow you to view the screen’s center just below eye level at 15 to 20 degree downward angle.
• Changing screen contrast and brightness to a level comparable to the surrounding light.
• Using screen covers, lower lighting and curtains or blinds to reduce glare.

Also, take regular breaks and blink frequently to rehydrate your eyes; every 20 minutes, focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds (the 20/20/20 rule); and try over-the-counter lubricating eye drops.

If CVS symptoms become chronic, speak with your eye care professional about computer glasses or treatment for dry eyes.

HAWAIIAN EYE CENTER
Steven Rhee, DO, Medical Director and Cornea Specialist
Wahiawa 808-621-8448 | Waipahu 808-678-0622
www.hawaiianeye.com

Work-from-home “virtual” employees must take precautions in order to preserve the health of their eyes. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) isn’t a specific set of symptoms — it’s an umbrella term to describe the varying eye discomfort and symptoms caused by screen-related issues. It is almost impossible to avoid progressive vision issues with regular computer use.