Education on Social Security
I’m trying to figure out how much to save for my retirement. Does the government offer any help with financial education? Will my son be eligible to receive benefits on his retired father’s record while going to college?
Center Helps Seniors Get Back to Work
Meaningful employment is one of the best ways to keep fit in every way as we age — socially, mentally and even physically. But some of Waikīkī Community Center’s clients had difficulty finding employment. Retirees also found that the way people look for work has changed significantly. Others felt employers didn’t want to hire them due to their age. Many wanted to change career paths entirely. Therefore, WCC started Back-to-Work Force, a free service employment program focused on adults 50 and over.
Get ’Extra Help’ With Medicare Drug Costs
Assistance is available for some people with limited income and assets who may be eligible for a program called “Extra Help.” It’s a Medicare health plan that assists in paying costs related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. This can include monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $4,900 per year. Many people qualify and don’t even know it.
Service Employment Program in Action
Many seniors approaching retirement age have not built up adequate savings in their Social Security accounts. By finding employment before taking SS withdrawals, seniors can build up accounts and ensure a healthier retirement payments when the time comes. The Honolulu Community Action Program Inc. administers the Senior Community Service Employment Program for low-income seniors who meet the program’s eligibility requirements:
A Support Group for the Caring Giver
Are you caring for someone over 60 who is living at home? Then, Project Dana has a special program just for you, called the “Caring Giver Support Group” or CGSG. Using education and group training sessions, CGSG helps caregivers to better understand their loved ones while learning to care for themselves, as well. Group sessions are also a safe place to connect and talk story about the joys and frustrations of being a caregiver.
Medicare Health Plans & Caregiving
With National Caregivers Month quickly approaching, let’s remember former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who said it best in 2012—“There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.” As a caregiver, what questions should I ask to help me assess the best Medicare Advantage (health plan) possible?
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Most men seem to have little knowledge about prostate cancer, even though it is one of the most common cancers found in men in the U.S. Until diagnosed, most of us tend to ignore the issue entirely. I was no different some six years ago — before I was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. I was in denial, even though I was symptomatic. I convinced myself that I knew better and self-diagnosed what I thought was simply an enlarged prostate. Little did I know I was about to embark upon an adventure and steepen my learning curve on the topic.
Understand Your Medicare Options
Hawai‘i has 268,000 Medicare beneficiaries in 2019 — nearly 19 percent of the state’s total population. About 45 percent of Hawai‘i’s beneficiaries select Medicare Advantage plans. The remaining 55 percent are covered under Original Medicare. Every year during Medicare’s Annual Election Period, Medicare beneficiaries can add, drop or switch plans. Medicare health plans and prescription drug plans can change in cost, coverage and services every year, so look at your plan’s coverage for 2020 and compare it with other plans.
Medicare for All!
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, more than 59 million people in the United States have Medicare. That number is expected to grow to close to 80 million by 2030. Currently, people 65 or older and younger people with disabilities who meet all other eligibility requirements may qualify. Therefore, it is important to start becoming familiar with Medicare terms and definitions. Here are a few.
Continuing SS Benefits After 19
My child who gets Social Security will be attending his last year of high school in the fall. He turns 19 in a few months. Do I need to fill out a form for his benefits to continue? Yes. You should receive a SSA-1372-BK form in the mail about three months before your son’s birthday. Your son needs to complete the form and take it to his school’s office for certification.
Still Working? Got Medicare?
Our parents may have had an easier time than many of us do now. When they turned 65 years old, they were eligible for full Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare. Today, depending on the year you were born, your full SS may not take effect until you are 67, so you may continue to work and you’re eligible for Medicare. So what should you do?
Changing Lives With Community Action
Maui Economic Opportunity administers more than 40 programs and provides tools to help people and change lives through five departments: MEO Business Development Center, Community Services, Early Childhood Services, Transportation Services and Youth Services. Services for low-income seniors are at the core of MEO programs, administered through MEO Community Services.
Military Service and Social Security
I’m planning to retire next year. I served in the Navy back in the 1960s and need to make sure I get credit for my military service. What do I need to do?
Heads up! It’s Upgrade Time!
Most people use new or upgraded versions of cars, phones, appliances and all sorts of gadgets to manage their daily lives. Yet, they seem surprised to learn of a loved one’s, a friend’s or their own need for a medical procedure to maintain or improve functional capabilities. The need for a knee or hip replacement or cataract surgery comes as a shock or a hardship.
Honoring and Protecting Patients’ Rights
Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are advocates for residents living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult residential care homes, expanded adult residential care homes and community care foster family homes. We are NOT the state inspectors and do not write deficiencies or issue fines or citations. Our focus has always been on quality of life and quality of care issues — advocating for all our residents so their rights can be honored and protected.
Celebrating 30 Years of Service to Kūpuna
Since 1989, ALU LIKE’s Elderly Services Department, Ke Ola Pono No Nā Kūpuna (KOPP), has provided nutrition and supportive services (recreation, education, promotion of well-being) to independent Native Hawaiians 60 years of age or older on the islands of Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i and O‘ahu. Today, there are 18 site locations statewide.
Helping Hawai’i Seniors Fight Hunger
Lanakila Meals on Wheels, a program of Lanakila Pacific, works with registered dietitians and chefs to ensure their healthy and delicious meals meet or exceed USDA nutrition guidelines while addressing the age-related dietary needs of seniors.
The Doctor Is In!
Did you know Medicare coverage includes preventive services? Contact your doctor for more information and to schedule recommended preventive screenings, care, and to participate in educational classes. (Cost sharing and other limitations may apply.)
Why Create an Online Account?
My Social Security gives you a personal online account you can securely use to check your Social Security information and do business with us. With a my Social Security account you can perform a variety of tasks.
Medicare Q&A
The general enrollment period for Medicare Part B, medical insurance, begins January 1 and runs through March 31. Keep in mind that, although there is no monthly premium for Medicare Part A, there will be a premium for your Medicare Part B. And in most cases, that premium goes up each 12-month period you were eligible for it and elected not to enroll.
Medicare Has Made Some Changes!
In 2019, a new Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, from January 1 to March 31, will begin and is expected to run annually. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll have the opportunity to switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan or to Original Medicare Parts A and B.
Before the Finish Line: Medicare & Fitness
Although improved fitness plays a significant role in improving overall health and reducing your risk for disease, Medicare usually does not cover exercise classes or the services of a personal trainer. However, when medically necessary, Medicare Part B may cover occupational and physical therapy, which could include some exercise and fitness training.
Prevent Falls at Home with Free Assessment
Falling isn’t fun for anyone, but as we get older falling can have serious, life-changing effects. These injuries can require skilled nursing care — or worse, falls can be fatal. The good news is that falling can often be prevented.
Workplace Insurance and Medicare
One question that is frequently asked by people about to turn 65 who have health insurance through an employer is: “Do I need to enroll in Medicare?” Good question! If you or your spouse are still working when you turn age 65 and have insurance through your employer you may consider delaying Medicare Part A and Part B until you retire if you have Creditable Coverage, which means coverage as good as Medicare. Or you can choose to elect your Part A, which is premium-free, and delay Part B until retirement. Depending on the size of the group, one plan would be primary while the other would be secondary.
How to Figure Your Payment Date
Social Security benefits are paid each month. Generally, new retirees receive their benefits on either the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on the day in the month the retiree was born.
Volunteering Across the Generations
Volunteering is a popular antidote to feelings of isolation that can occur as we age. Here are two programs that enable seniors to share their time and skills with younger generations.
Medicare News!
According to Kathryn Coleman, Director at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), a final rule issued in April 2018 has redefined the “primarily health related” supplement benefit definition. As a result, CMS expects Medicare Advantage plan sponsors to begin offering services for enrollees needing assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL).
Retirement Planning Q&A
Q: I’m trying to decide when to retire. Can Social Security help?
A: The best place to start is with a visit to the
online Social Security Statement. The statement provides you with estimates of benefits for you and your family as well as your earnings record and information you should consider about retirement and retirement planning.
Mobilizing in an Emergency
The Big Island again finds itself dealing with a large number of people displaced by a lava event. “The fast-moving lava flow from Kīlauea volcano on May 3, 2018, forced 1,500 residents out of their homes and in search of shelter,” says Kimo Alameda, County Executive on Aging.
Parting With Treasured Belongings
Have you heard these questions before: “How do I get my Mom to let go of her things?”, “Why does my Dad not want to get rid of his junk?” and “I’m not making much progress with them, what am I doing wrong?” Most times the answer isn’t black and white, as it really depends on the emotional attachment a person has to those items. Every item has a memory or a story that tugs at their heart, and for those reasons, they can’t get rid of them.
Disability Benefits Q&A
I’m applying for disability benefits. Do I automatically receive Medicare benefits if I’m approved for disability benefits?
When Grandparents Become Parents Again
What would you do if your daughter or son was suddenly unable to take care of their keiki? Have you ever thought about becoming a parent after retirement? This decision for families is often unexpected and comes under very difficult circumstances. About three million...How May We Help You?
Social Security has a toolbox full of resources on its website, www.socialsecurity.gov, to help you with your financial planning. With so many resources, maybe it’s easier if we highlight one of our “best.” BEST is the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, available at...The Healthy Brain Initiative
Recognizing the growing burden of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Alzheimer’s Association launched “The Healthy Brain Initiative” in 2013 to improve the diagnosis of dementia, and find and institute preventive measures.
A Place Called Home
Aging is a natural process that no one wants to face alone. Many people choose to live alone in their home as they age, but find themselves depressed, lonely and not eating right. There are many benefits to living in a retirement community.
Hawaii Five-0: Old Made New Again
Hawaii Five-0 flawlessly executed the eighth season’s Sunset on The Beach premiere. The event attracts thousands of fans from across the world, cheering as the cast arrive at the red carpet, like former Honolulu resident Judy Glassmaker, who returns every year and who grew up watching the original series.
Kupuna Caregivers Program Launches
In 2017, Hawai‘i legislators and Gov. David Ige created the Kupuna Caregivers Program. This program helps family caregivers who work at least 30 hours per week outside the home by providing a $70-per-day benefit in services that could help make home caregiving for aging family members more affordable.
Home-Based Seniors Help Patients
Yoko Futa, an 83-year-old former clerk for the Dept. of Transportation, volunteers for about 10 hours a week, helping patients at Queen’s hospitals. Yoko Futa is a member of The Queen’s Medical Center’s Volunteers in Place program, a way for community-minded people and groups to serve at home, centers or sites.
You’ve Got Mail: New Medicare Cards
New Medicare cards will be issued and mailed to beneficiaries between April 2018 and April 2019. In an attempt to protect your identity, the new cards will have a unique number for you instead of your Social Security number, or the number of someone through which you...Sign Language Videos and Email Scams
Q I heard there is a Social Security video available in American Sign Language. Where can I find it? A Yes, it’s true. The video is called “Social Security, SSI and Medicare: What You Need to Know About These Vital Programs.” The video is available in American Sign...Bumper-to-Bumper Service Checks
Have you taken your car in for its 10,000-mile service checkup? If you are like most car owners who need a reliable car that can go the distance, you schedule an appointment the moment your mechanic sends a reminder. The bumper-to-bumper inspection requires a trained...How to Use ‘my Social Security’
The Social Security Administration is serious about safeguarding what’s important to you, as we continue to evaluate and improve our protection programs. Our robust, easy-to-use cyber security program is a vital part of keeping you safe and secure. Most people who...Common Misconceptions About Medicaid
By Daniel Bonilla, MedData Community Medicaid Long-Term Care Coordinator The decision to move into a long-term care facility can be a difficult one, especially when it comes to finances. In Hawai‘i, a long-term care facility can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000 a...When to Start Receiving Social Security
by Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i Enjoying a comfortable retirement is every-one’s dream. For over 80 years, Social Security (SS) has been helping people realize those dreams, assisting them through life’s journey with a...Help a Loved One with Social Security
by Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are nearly 57 million people living with disabilities. Thirty percent of America’s adults help provide care for a sick or disabled family member....Retired & Senior Volunteers Give Back…
The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), one of the largest senior volunteer networks in the U.S., is one of three Senior Corps programs funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that supports service and volunteering.
Caregivers Need Support, Too
Many of these supporters dutifully provide care without complaint. Yet, demands may start to take a toll and their own health may be compromised.t’s estimated there are more than 150,000 unpaid family caregivers in Hawai‘i. These valuable helpers are typically women in their early 60s who are caring for their husbands or elderly parents while still working. And that doesn’t take into account those who may occasionally care for their grandchildren, as well.
Real Property Tax Credit For Homeowners
The City and County of Honolulu offers a real property tax credit to property owners who meet certain eligibility requirements. If you qualify, you are entitled to a tax credit equal to the amount of taxes owed for the current tax year that exceed 3 percent of the titleholders’ combined gross income.
It’s Never Too Late to Learn
Henry Ford once said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80; anyone who keeps learning stays young.”
Na Kupuna is a program that provides seniors an opportunity to do just that. As a part of the University of Hawaii’s Student Equity Excellence Diversity (SEED) initiative, Na Kupuna opens up college courses to seniors age 60 and older, which they can attend for free. About 650 senior citizens take advantage of this program every semester!
11th Annual Aging In Place Workshop
The 11th Annual Aging in Place Workshop takes place on Saturday, August 19 8:30 am – 2:30 pm Ala Moana Hotel *No Reservations Required Click image to enlargeNew Service Provides Free Legal Assistance
When it comes to legal matters, there’s a whole set of terminology that may leave your head spinning. Picking apart the legalese may prove such a daunting task that we may even put off tending to important matters, which can be risky. With so many details to take into...SSA Kidney Disease Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) helps spread the word about the importance of kidney health and what you should do if you think you or a loved one has a kidney-related disability. Kidney disease prevents kidneys from cleansing your blood to their full...Staying in the Know
In your younger years, you may have been active in community affairs. But now you don’t get out so much. Maybe your caregiving duties keep you at home more. The good news is, you can still be involved in community affairs from the comfort of your own computer. In the...Resolving Conflicts Through Mediation
The executive director at the The Mediation Center of the Pacific shared important information about the nonprofit’s Kupuna Pono program in Generations Margazine’s June/July 2016 issue. Every family eventually has disagreements regarding elder care and support. In...‘An Amazing Place To Be…’
It’s 7:30 a.m. and volunteers are already preparing for a day of fun classes, club activities and good conversation. The Lanakila Multi- Purpose Senior Center (LMPSC) is the place to be for active seniors. LMPSC is filled with great energy, caring people, and active...Rewarding Activities for Our Ku¯puna
ALU LIKE Inc.’s Ke Ola Pono No Na¯ Ku¯ puna Program (KOPP) provides nutrition and support services to Native Hawaiians aged 60 and older at 12 program sites statewide plus home delivered meals to those not able to get to a site. Aging is never easy, especially when...Priority No. 1: The Welfare of Our Seniors
Kokua Council, one of the oldest senior citizen advocacy groups in Hawai‘i, plays an important role in a complex web of community organizations. Kokua’s main focus is on the informational, advocacy and educational needs of seniors. Kokua complements and supplements...Meals at the Kupuna Wellness Centers
The Kupuna Wellness Centers provide free lifestyle and wellness programs for older adults (60 years and over) operated by Lanakila Meals on Wheels. The centers provide a wide range of activities to support the physical fitness, cognition and emotional well-being of...Memorializing Can Lift the Burden of Regret
Many families in Hawai‘i now choose cremation and scattering their loved one’s ashes into nature. Scattering can be a profoundly moving experience, but it’s also a decision that should be considered very carefully — because once it’s done, it can’t be undone. Without...Make a Retirement Resolution
It’s 2017 and one year closer to retirement. Whether you’re at your very first job or wrapping up a successful career, there are always new things to learn when it comes to saving for the future. So why not make retirement planning part of your New Year’s resolution?...Keeping the Mind Engaged for Life
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa was founded in 1996-97, when a group of community elders, retired professors and university administrators established the Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL). Its mission was to strengthen...Technology and You
Emeritus College, with support from Honolulu Community College and the Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training, offers a wide range of continuing education workshops in the area of electronic computerized education for adult learners age 55 and above. The...Grandparents Provide ‘Roots & Wings’
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Center for Health Statistics reports that fatherless children are at a dramatically greater risk for drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, suicide, poor educational performance, teen pregnancy and...Social Security is Here to Stay
It’s healthy to be skeptical in a world of uncertainties. But rest assured, there’s no reason to think Social Security won’t be here for you well into the future. Recently, the Social Security Board of Trustees released its 76th annual report to Congress, presenting...Missions of Help and Hope
Some of the most helpful nonprofits for seniors are small operations that cannot afford to advertise. We will be helping them by getting their message to you. Read below to learn how the volunteers and coordinators in these noteworthy organizations may help you and...Medicaid Program To the Rescue
Medicaid Program To the Rescue by Cassandra Stewart, Executive Director, Cardon Outreach from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
‘Silent Teachers’ Help Future Doctors
‘Silent Teachers’ Help Future Doctors by Steven Labrash, CFSP, Director UH Willed Body Program from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
We Salute Veterans Every Day
We Salute Veterans Every Day by Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
How to Chill Hot and Spicy…
How to Chill Hot and Spicy by Annette Pang, Relationship Life Coach from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Choosing Extended Care
Choosing Extended Care by Hope Young, Kokua Care, Director of Care Services from the DecJan 2017 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
To ‘B’ or Not to ‘B’
To ‘B’ or Not to ‘B’ by Martha Khlopin, Host of “Medicare Moment with Martha” from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
The Sons & Daughters of the 442nd RCT
The Sons & Daughters of the 442nd RCT by Stephanie Kim, Generations Magazine Intern from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Team Huddle and Huckleberry Pie
Team Huddle and Huckleberry Pie by Annette Pang, Relationship Life Coach from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
From Woodstock to Medicare
From Woodstock to Medicare by Martha Khlopin, Host of “Medicare Moment with Martha” from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Social Security Benefits Outside the U.S.
Social Security Benefits Outside the U.S. by Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Missions of Help and Hope
Missions of Help and Hope by Stephanie Kim, Generations Magazine Intern from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Expanding End-of-Life Options
Expanding End-of-Life Options by Mary Steiner, Campaign Manager, Compassion & Choices Hawai‘i
Preventing & Resolving Family Conflicts
Preventing & Resolving Family Conflicts by Tracey S. Wiltgen, Executive Director, The Mediation Center of the Pacific from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Sentimental Journals
Sentimental Journals by Annette Pang, Relationship Life Coach from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Medicare: Don’t Leave Home Without It!
Medicare: Don’t Leave Home Without It! by Martha Khlopin, Radio Host of “Morning Drive With Martha” from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Exercise Your Reading Muscles This Summer
Exercise Your Reading Muscles This Summer by HSPLS Library Development Services Staff from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
American Cancer Society Builds Hope
American Cancer Society Builds Hope by Cathy Alsup, CFRE, American Cancer Society Hawai‘i Pacific from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Hawai‘i Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative
Hawai‘i Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative by Christy Nishita, Ph.D., Interim Director and Researcher, UH Center on Aging from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
SSA News for Same-Sex Couples
SSA News for Same-Sex Couples by Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life