Category: Articles

  • Medicare Coverage for Surgery

    Medicare covers many medically necessary services for both inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures, but the cost may vary depending on many factors.

    For outpatient surgery, the costs of ambulatory surgical center and hospital outpatient surgery may be different. Ambulatory centers usually have lower overhead costs than hospital-based outpatient surgery. For inpatient services, Medicare covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for doctors’ services you get while you are in a hospital and you pay the remaining 20% after meeting the deductibles. Currently, the Medicare Part A deductible is $1,676 and Part B is $257.

    Other factors that may affect cost include other insurance you may have aside from Medicare (Medicare Advantage or a Medigap plan), how much the provider charges or if the provider accepts Medicare assignment (the provider agrees to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for covered services) and the type of facility.

    Outpatient costs can be found by looking up the procedure name, CPT code or Health Care Common Procedure Coding System code at medicare.gov/procedure-price-look-up. Get the code for a specific service from your healthcare provider for more accurate pricing.

    COPELAND INSURANCE GROUP
    1360 S. Beretania St., Ste. 209, Honolulu, HI 96814
    808-591-4877 | josie@copelandgroupusa.com
    planenroll.com/?purl=Josie-Banasihan

    Medicare covers many medically necessary services for both inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures, but the cost may vary depending on many factors. For outpatient surgery, the costs of ambulatory surgical center and hospital outpatient surgery may be different. Ambulatory centers usually have lower overhead costs than hospital-based outpatient surgery. For inpatient services, Medicare covers 80%…

  • Kupuna in the Classroom

    In classrooms across the State of Hawai‘i, a quiet yet powerful force is shaping the academic and emotional well-being of students: senior volunteers. Kupuna in the Classroom volunteers are stepping up to provide essential services that help bridge educational and emotional gaps many students face. They provide the kind of one-on-one attention and support that overburdened teachers often can’t consistently offer.

    Kupuna in the Classroom is also known as the
    Foster Grandparent Program.

    Kupuna in the Classroom volunteers are assigned to three to five students and focus on the specific needs of students. The one-on-one time they dedicate to students enables them to develop meaningful and productive relationships. This intergenerational model is good for the soul and helps kūpuna to stay active, use their cognitive skills and enhance their lives.

    To become a Kupuna in the Classroom (foster grandparent), an individual must be at least 55 years of age, commit to volunteering a minimum of 15 hours per week, and meet income and other program requirements.

    To volunteer as a foster grandparent, apply for services or for more information about this program, call the Foster Grandparent Program office on O‘ahu at 808-832-5169.

    FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM (nonprofit)
    1010 Richards St., Ste. 614, Honolulu, HI 96813
    shull@dhs.hawaii.gov | 808 832-5167
    humanservices.hawaii.gov/foster-grandparent-program

    In classrooms across the State of Hawai‘i, a quiet yet powerful force is shaping the academic and emotional well-being of students: senior volunteers. Kupuna in the Classroom volunteers are stepping up to provide essential services that help bridge educational and emotional gaps many students face. They provide the kind of one-on-one attention and support that…

  • Am I Doing This Right? Where Do I Turn?

    These questions are asked by every caregiver everywhere! Family caregivers frequently begin their journey with no experience and little or no training, which, understandably, leaves the caregiver feeling overwhelmed by their new responsibilities. There are 60,000 family caregivers caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s, so they bear the brunt of the disease in Hawai‘i.

    Caregivers don’t know what to expect as their loved one’s dementia progresses, so they don’t know what questions to ask in order to prepare themselves for what lies ahead. With no experience and no education, the caregiver will most likely experience stress, uncertainty, fear, frustration and a myriad of other emotions.

    The most effective ways to help ensure the highest quality of care for those with dementia are through caregiver education and making sure all the resources available to caregivers are easily accessible. Learning about the disease and knowing what to expect can help caregivers feel more in control and better able to cope and plan. Knowing where to turn to for help is crucial to help caregivers navigate their caregiving journey.

    There are many organizations that offer quality caregiver education at no cost to the caregiver, including the Alzheimer’s Association, The Caregiver Foundation, Project Dāna, AARP, the Hawaii Parkinson Association and Hale Hau‘oli Hawai‘i. Virtual workshops are advertised on websites.

    “To be forewarned is to be forearmed” makes sense for providing the public with information about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Receiving education and training for caregiving, learning practical caregiving approaches and using local caregiving resources are important strategies. Armed with the resources needed to continue to provide safe, effective care for their loved one, and knowledge that there is help in the community to assist them, caregivers can be successful in their caregiving journeys, and their loved ones can remain in their communities.

    In addition, “The Dementia Public Awareness Campaign” bill passed through the legislature a few years ago and will be rolling out soon.

    HALE HAU‘OLI HAWAI‘I (nonprofit)
    98-1247 Kaahumanu St., Ste. 207, Aiea, HI 96701
    808-798-8706 | halehauolihawaii.org
    alz.org/help-support/caregiving
    thecaregiverfoundation.org/the-caregiver-foundation-services
    projectdana.org/caregiver
    states.aarp.org/hawaii/caregiver-resources
    parkinsonshawaii.org/resource-center

    These questions are asked by every caregiver everywhere! Family caregivers frequently begin their journey with no experience and little or no training, which, understandably, leaves the caregiver feeling overwhelmed by their new responsibilities. There are 60,000 family caregivers caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s, so they bear the brunt of the disease in Hawai‘i. Caregivers…

  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

    This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP). Part of the Executive Office on Aging, an ombudsman is primarily an advocate for residents living in a nursing home, assisted living facility, community care foster family home, or an adult or expanded adult residential care home. Having an advocate is especially important for residents who are comatose, have dementia or cannot speak for themselves.

    The LTCOP is federally mandated to visit every facility at least once a quarter. With 1,779 facilities (12,895 beds) spread over six islands, that can only be accomplished with volunteers.

    We are not state inspectors. We don’t cite facilities for deficiencies when regulations are violated. The state Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Assurance does that. We champion quality of life and quality of care for all residents.

    The LTCOP utilizes both staff and certified volunteers to promote its mission to provide culturally sensitive advocacy and referral services to Hawai‘i’s long-term care residents.

    For more information on becoming a volunteer, use the contact information below.

    STATE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN
    Executive Office on Aging
    Hawai‘i State Department of Health–Ka ‘Oihana Olakino
    250 South Hotel St., Ste. 406 Honolulu, HI 96813
    john.mcdermott@doh.hawaii.gov | C: 808-892-9306
    808-586-7268 | Toll Free: 1-888-229-2231
    hi-ltc-ombudsman.org | health.hawaii.gov/eoa

    This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP). Part of the Executive Office on Aging, an ombudsman is primarily an advocate for residents living in a nursing home, assisted living facility, community care foster family home, or an adult or expanded adult residential care home. Having an advocate is…

  • SSA Issues Imposter Scam Alert

    Social Security (SS) imposter scams continue to be widespread across the United States. Scammers use tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email or call, do not respond.

    SSA WILL NEVER:

    • Text or email images of an employee’s official government identification
    • Suspend your SS number
    • Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee
    • Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency or cash by mail
    • Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment
    • Mail or email “official” letters or reports containing your personal information

    WE ONLY SEND TEXT MESSAGES IN LIMITED SITUATIONS, INCLUDING:

    • When you have subscribed to receive updates and notifications by text
    • As part of our enhanced security when accessing your personal my Social Security account

    If you owe money to us, we will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights. SS employees do contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a SS benefit, are already receiving payments and require an update to their record or have requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a person’s SS number or record, SS will mail a letter.

    Report suspected SS imposter scams and other SS fraud by going to the Office of the Inspector General’s website: oig.ssa.gov/report. Find more information about scams at ssa.gov/scam. Please share this information with your friends, family and colleagues to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter scams.

    For more SSA information, call 7am–5pm, Mon–Fri:
    1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | socialsecurity.gov
    Your COLA Notice

    Individuals who have a personal my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. Users can also receive text or email alerts when there is a new message waiting for them, including a COLA notice. Set up a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount.

    SSA ONLINE SERVICE HOURS
    Eastern Standard Time
    Mon– Fri 4:15am–1am
    Sat 5am–11pm
    Sun 8am–11:30pm
    SSA COLA: ssa.gov/cola
    ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/colafacts2025.pdf
    SSA Full Retirement Age Chart:
    ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html
    Medicare & You 2025:
    publications/10050-medicare-and-you.pdf

    Social Security (SS) imposter scams continue to be widespread across the United States. Scammers use tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email or call, do not respond. SSA WILL NEVER: WE ONLY SEND TEXT MESSAGES IN LIMITED SITUATIONS, INCLUDING: If you owe money to…

  • Key Roles in Long-Term Care Planning

    Long-term care events can happen without warning—and in an instant, everything changes. Having long-term care insurance is important, but what truly matters is having the right people by your side. Without them, even the best policy benefits can be delayed or go unused.

    Here are some of your key team players:

    CARE ADVOCATE

    This is the person who knows the plan, where relevant documents are and who to contact. They know how to file claims and make sure benefits are accessed without delay.

    RESOLUTION ADVOCATE

    After the crisis, this person handles transitions, expenses and tasks. They bring closure and peace of mind during emotionally difficult times.

    FINANCIAL ADVOCATE

    This person ties your care plan to your overall financial goals. They help prevent financial strain by preparing for care costs, coordinating accessible benefits and building a strategy that protects your assets and family’s legacy.

    Having insurance is one thing. Knowing how to use it and who will help is everything.

    Building a strong long-term care team is vital in order to ensure that you and your family are prepared for future care needs.

    HAWAI‘I LONG-TERM CARE SOLUTIONS
    1555 Ala Puumalu St, Honolulu, HI 96818
    808-330-4691 | roger@rogerhiga.fun
    HawaiiLongTermCareSolutions.com

    Long-term care events can happen without warning—and in an instant, everything changes. Having long-term care insurance is important, but what truly matters is having the right people by your side. Without them, even the best policy benefits can be delayed or go unused. Here are some of your key team players: ◆ CARE ADVOCATE This…

  • Prostate Cancer in Hawai‘i

    It is estimated that there will be 1,160 new cases and 190 deaths from prostate cancer in Hawai‘i in 2025. If it is diagnosed at an advanced (metastatic) stage, the five-year survival rate is just 37%. If diagnosed at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is more than 99%.

    Early-stage prostate cancer often does not have any symptoms. Screening starts with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Individualized risk assessment and imaging can now help determine if a biopsy is necessary.

    Non-aggressive prostate cancers may not need treatment. New treatments available in Hawai‘i, such as focal therapy, target only the cancerous part of the prostate, minimizing side effects.

    Men don’t have to face prostate cancer alone. The Us TOO Hawaii support group offers virtual monthly meetings for patients/their loved ones, providing information, education and support.

    Patients often have choices in their cancer treatment. Learning about prostate cancer terminology, various diagnostic and treatment options and talking with other prostate cancer patients helps them make informed decisions for their individual situation.

    US TOO HAWAII 501(c)(3) nonprofit
    Gary Kim, 808-486-9675 | garyhkim@hawaii.rr.com
    hawaiiprostatecancer.org
    bit.ly/cancer-facts-and-figures-2025
    bit.ly/survival-rates-for-prostate-cancer

    The information and opinions expressed on this article are not an endorsement or recommendation for any medical treatment, product, service or course of action by Us TOO Hawaii and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

    It is estimated that there will be 1,160 new cases and 190 deaths from prostate cancer in Hawai‘i in 2025. If it is diagnosed at an advanced (metastatic) stage, the five-year survival rate is just 37%. If diagnosed at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is more than 99%. Early-stage prostate cancer often does…

  • Healthy Teeth and Gums at Every Age

    September is National Gum Care Month—a great reminder for kūpuna to care for their oral health and protect their smiles. As we age, maintaining healthy gums becomes even more important to overall well-being. One common concern is gum disease, also called periodontal disease, which affects nearly 60% of adults over age 65.

    Often caused by poor brushing and flossing habits, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and increase the risk of other health problems if left untreated. It is fortunate that it’s both preventable and treatable, especially when caught early.

    Early signs include red or swollen gums, tenderness, bleeding, bad breath, painful chewing and receding gums. These symptoms may seem small but can lead to serious problems.

    To keep your gums healthy, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Regular dental visits are also important, especially if you notice changes. Your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning, such as scaling and root planing, or surgery.

    Caring for your gums is a lifelong habit. This September, make oral health a priority and keep your smile strong for years to come.

    HAWAII DENTAL SERVICE
    Dr. Vinh Tran, DDS, Dental Director
    808-529-9213
    vinh.tran@hawaiidentalservice.com
    HawaiiDentalService.com

    September is National Gum Care Month—a great reminder for kūpuna to care for their oral health and protect their smiles. As we age, maintaining healthy gums becomes even more important to overall well-being. One common concern is gum disease, also called periodontal disease, which affects nearly 60% of adults over age 65. Often caused by…

  • Think Pink in October

    The pink ribbons and pink merchandise at retail stores mean it is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, commemorated annually in October. Think Pink is a campaign for prevention, perseverance in finding a cure and the possibilities for surviving breast cancer.

    According to the National Cancer Institute, 1 in 8 women and 1 in 800 men in America will develop breast cancer. Yes, men are susceptible, too. Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in the US, and No. 1 in Hawai‘i. Although diagnosis rates are high, death rates have significantly decreased.

    The best way to increase your chance of survival is to detect cancer early. Getting tested according to your doctor’s recommendations is so important. If you are due or overdue for a mammogram, please call your doctor’s office today! Many insurance plans do not charge a copayment for mammograms. And if copay amounts are a concern, most hospitals will work with patients to provide financial assistance or a payment plan.

    In between machine screenings, everyone can benefit from self-exams. If at any time you see or feel anything unusual or suspicious, contact your doctor.

    Do it for yourself and the ones you love.

    ALOHACARE
    1357 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. G101, Honolulu, HI 96814
    808-973-0712 | toll free 1-877-973-0712
    kreid@alohacare.org | alohacare.org

    The pink ribbons and pink merchandise at retail stores mean it is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, commemorated annually in October. Think Pink is a campaign for prevention, perseverance in finding a cure and the possibilities for surviving breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, 1 in 8 women and 1 in 800 men…

  • Ready, Aim, Fun!

    Archery, the sport of kings, is finding its way into our city parks. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation has introduced archery into its programs. Many participants say they first shot a bow and arrow at a summer camp. Then they grew up and found other interests. With cartoons and TV series recently including the sport, archery interest has resurged.

    City and County of Honolulu Parks and Recreation programs are open to people of all ages. But the group seeing the most growth is ku¯ puna. It is never too late to recreate and archery is a sport in which they can shine!

    Archery is one of the few sports in which men and women compete together at a venue. In our program, men and women shoot side by side at the range.

    It is both a social sport and a “private” sport. You can enjoy the camaraderie of all the other archers, laughing and talking between shots, or you can find your “Zen” space and use it as a contemplative time. Our island seniors have found both. We may have a wife talking to her archery friends between shots while her husband finds his relaxation drilling holes in a gold circle.

    Archery equipment is not extremely expensive for a beginner. It costs way less than a set of golf clubs and the range is free.

    Archery is also not difficult to start. Equipment can be borrowed from the recreation center; you will buy your own as you get into the sport.

    The strength needed to pull the string is adjusted to your physical capability. As you develop your muscles, you will move up to better equipment. But many archers use the same bow for a long time. The arrows, of course, are reusable.

    Your biggest competition is yourself. You can shoot for fun and relaxation or you can shoot for higher scores. So, get up, get out and join other senior citizens in our programs who are re-finding the sport of archery!

    Clear your mind and sharpen your focus! Call your local park to find the nearest class.

    CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU DEPT. OF PARKS & RECREATION, RECREATION SUPPORT SERVICES
    1000 Uluohia St., Kapolei HI, 96707
    808-768-3045 | ssantiago@honolulu.gov
    honolulu.gov/dpr

    Archery, the sport of kings, is finding its way into our city parks. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation has introduced archery into its programs. Many participants say they first shot a bow and arrow at a summer camp. Then they grew up and found other interests. With cartoons and…

  • How Pickleball Changed My Life

    We don’t always know what’s missing until it shows up in our lives. For these three women, that “something” was a game called “pickleball.”

    For Lori Tokutomi, the discovery came in her late 50s. “Someone mentioned it at a gym, so I just showed up,” she says. “They told me to get on the court, explained the rules as we went—and that was it. I was addicted.”

    After that first day, she played every day she could, even driving 30 minutes across the Bay Area to find games. Now in her 60s, she still plays regularly and calls it her go-to for fun, fitness and stress relief. “It’s the perfect sport for any age. Easy to start and you don’t have to be the best to enjoy it.”

    At 61, Susan Seki discovered pickleball with her husband just before the pandemic. “We borrowed paddles at the rec center, played once—and immediately bought our own.”

    The couple now plays four to five times a week. “Pickleball is everything now. We drop everything to go play.” She didn’t expect to fall in love with the sport—or the friendships. “We’ve made so many new friends and I’m going to know these people for a long time.”

    A colon cancer survivor, Susan also credits pickleball with helping her stay healthy. “At my last cardiology appointment, I kept going and going on the treadmill. The nurse finally told me to stop—and the doctor accused me of showing off!” she laughs.

    Rachel Haili discovered pickleball in her 70s, soon after retiring from her Hawaiian
    catering and entertainment business of over 40 years. She found herself missing the daily interactions with staff and customers. Pickleball filled that gap—combining movement with social connection. “You meet new people from all over and all different parts of the island,” she says. She plays several times a week and complements it with yoga, tai chi and weight training. Her advice: “I say, just go out and try.”

    Each woman picked up a paddle at a different stage in life. What they found wasn’t just a game—it was movement, meaning and community in one beautiful surprise.

    Personal growth is always within reach. It’s never too late to discover something new and realize it’s exactly what you’ve been missing.

    HAWAII PICKLEBALL MAGAZINE
    P.O. Box 61514, Honolulu, HI 96839
    jen@hawaiipickleballmagazine.com
    hawaiipickleballmagazine.com

    We don’t always know what’s missing until it shows up in our lives. For these three women, that “something” was a game called “pickleball.” For Lori Tokutomi, the discovery came in her late 50s. “Someone mentioned it at a gym, so I just showed up,” she says. “They told me to get on the court,…

  • Gram’s Portuguese Bean Soup

    The Portuguese Bean Soup recipe my family has made for generations was never actually written down until my niece, Nadine, asked my mother for it. My mom, Vivian, would make a huge pot for parties or mainland visitors. The soup was prepped early in the morning and simmered on the stove well into the evening. To this day, the smell of the simmering soup always brings me back to the days when I was young, playing in the yard with the aroma in the air.

    In memory of Vivian August (2004)

    Ingredients

    2 lbs. red kidney beans (dry)
    3 links Portuguese sausage
    1 pkg. ham hocks
    2 large onions, chopped
    3 15 oz. cans tomato sauce
    salt & pepper to taste
    chili pepper flakes to taste
    2 bunches watercress cut into 1-inch pieces or… 1 head cabbage, chopped

    Directions

    Put beans in pot and rinse them well. Pick out any debris (little stones).

    Add water to 3 inches above the beans. Add sausage, ham hocks, onions, watercress (preferred) or cabbage and tomato sauce, and salt, pepper and chili pepper to taste.

    Bring to a heavy boil, then cover pot, lower heat and simmer for 5 or 6 hours.

    After 2 hours, taste to see that it has enough tomato sauce. Add a small can of tomato sauce if you think it needs more.

    After 5 or 6 hours, remove bones from ham hocks and cut up sausage into small pieces. Make rice. Put a large scoop of rice in a bowl and pour a healthy ladle of soup over the rice.

    Prep & cook time: 6–7 hours

    Serves: 15–20 medium bowls

    Do you have a favorite recipe and story to share? For consideration in the next issue, include a photo and mail them to Generations Recipe, PO Box 4213, Honolulu, HI 96812, or email them to Cynthia@generations808.com.

    The Portuguese Bean Soup recipe my family has made for generations was never actually written down until my niece, Nadine, asked my mother for it. My mom, Vivian, would make a huge pot for parties or mainland visitors. The soup was prepped early in the morning and simmered on the stove well into the evening.…