Category: Programs & Services

Gift of Sound – Free Hearing Aid Program

{Play}The Rotary Club of Honolulu is teaming with Miracle Ear Foundation’s Gift of Sound™ program, which provides free hearing aids to those that qualify. The application fee is $150, which includes a hearing assessment, hearing aid fittings and follow-up adjustments. While supplies last, the Rotary Club of Honolulu will assist those who can not afford the $150 application fee through its Can You Hear Us Now? program.

Some important facts about hearing loss:

■ Hearing loss is the third most common physical condition that affects people of all ages.
■ Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) typically begins as early as 55.
■ Individuals with mild to moderate untreated hearing loss are twice as likely to show symptoms of depression and isolation than those with normal hearing or those who wear hearing devices.
■ Most of those with hearing loss wait seven to 10 years before getting help. Delaying corrective action may result in irreversible hearing loss.
■ Less than 30 percent of our kūpuna use hearing devices due to:

• Lack of means to purchase
• Avoidance and denial of hearing issues
• Unfamiliar with where to go for help
• Misdiagnosed or untested due to assumptions of other issues

Currently, most health insurance plans in Hawai‘i offer limited or no coverage for a hearing aid purchase. If offered, the amount of coverage may be low. As a result, many in need choose to delay or forgo the purchase due to the high cost.

The Can You Hear Us Now? program aims to address that issue. Applicants for assistance must complete the Gift of Sound application form (www.miracle-ear.com/miracle-ear-foundation/eligibility) and must show:

• Less than $25,750 annual gross income.
• Evidence establishing the inability to pay the Gift of Sound application fee.

Eligible applicants must obtain, complete and return the application. For information or to request an application, contact Rick Tabor, Right at Home’s operations manager and chair of the Rotary Club of Honolulu’s Can you Hear Us Now? committee, at rick@eldercareoahu.com

ROTARY CLUB OF HONOLULU (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
705 Queen St., Honolulu, HI 96813
808-922-5526 | administrator@honolulurotary.com
MIRACLE EAR FOUNDATION – GIFT OF SOUND™
877-632-6320
www.miracle-ear.com/miracle-ear-foundation

The Rotary Club of Honolulu is teaming with Miracle Ear Foundation’s Gift of Sound™ program, which provides free hearing aids to those that qualify. The application fee is $150, which includes a hearing assessment, hearing aid fittings and follow-up adjustments. While supplies last, the Rotary Club of Honolulu will assist those who can not afford…
Track Social Security Earnings Online

Social Security is an earned benefit. SS keeps track of your earnings so you can be payed the benefits you’ve earned over your lifetime. This is why reviewing your SS earnings record is so important. You can do much of your business with SS online.

If an employer didn’t properly report just one year of your work earnings to SS, your future benefit payments could be less than they should be. Over the course of your lifetime, that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars in retirement or other benefits to which you are entitled. It is important to report problems with your earnings record right away, because as time passes, you may not have access to old tax documents.

While it’s the responsibility of your employers, both past and present, to provide accurate earnings information to SS, you are the only person who can look at your lifetime earnings record and verify that it’s complete and correct. The easiest way to validate your earnings record is to visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and set up or sign in to your My Social Security account. Carefully review each year of listed earnings and use your own W-2s and tax returns to confirm them. (Earnings from this year and last year may not be listed yet.) If you spot errors, call SS.

Find more detailed instructions on how to correct your SS earnings record at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10081.pdf.

For questions, online applications or to make an appointment to visit a SSA office, call from 7am–5pm, Mon–Fri: 1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | www.socialsecurity.gov

Social Security is an earned benefit. SS keeps track of your earnings so you can be payed the benefits you’ve earned over your lifetime. This is why reviewing your SS earnings record is so important. You can do much of your business with SS online.
Education on Social Security

Q
I’m trying to figure out how much to save for my retirement. Does the government offer any help with financial education?

A
Yes. For starters, you may want to find out what you can expect from Social Security with a visit to Social Security’s Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. The Financial Literacy and Education Commission has a website that can help you with the basics of financial education: www.mymoney.gov. Finally, you’ll want to check out the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which offers educational information on a number of financial matters, including mortgages, credit cards, retirement and other big decisions. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at www.consumerfinance.gov.

Q
Will my son be eligible to receive benefits on his retired father’s record while going to college?

A
No. At one time, Social Security did pay benefits to eligible college students. But the law changed in 1981. We now pay benefits only to students taking courses in grade 12 or below. Normally, benefits stop when children reach age 18, unless they are disabled. However, if children are still full-time students at a secondary (or elementary) school at age 18, benefits generally can continue until they graduate or until two months after they reach age 19, whichever comes first.

For questions, online applications or to make an appointment to visit a SSA office, call from 7am–5pm, Mon–Fri: 1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | www.socialsecurity.gov

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

From being a home caretaker, Nene went back to work for extra income. Her job as an Aloha Ambassador enabled her to spread aloha, meet people and make new friends.

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.

After retiring, John decided to take on a job—in addition to his honey-do list at home. He is now an Elite parking host and loving it.

The program helps match older workers with employment by updating their skills and by working with employers. The program provides a range of services for older workers — creating and updating resumes, online job search and application assistance, interview preparation and training referral. The program then matches clients with one or more of its 25-plus employer partners.

WAIKĪKĪ COMMUNITY CENTER (501(c) 3 nonprofits)
310 Paoakalani Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
Jill Okimura, Projects Manager: 808-923-1802
jokimura@waikikicommunitycenter.org
www.waikikicommunitycenter.org
FaceBook & Instagram: @waikikicommunitycenter

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…
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.

You may qualify for this Low-Income Subsidy program available under Medicare Part D if:

• Your annual income and assets are below the eligibility thresholds, which may fluctuate from year to year. For the most up-to-date levels, visit www.Medicare.gov.

• Your annual income is higher than the limit, but you support family members who live in your home, or, if you live in Hawai‘i or Alaska.

Applying is easy:

• Call Social Security at 1-800-771-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and request an application via mail or apply over the phone. Or apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp.

• Social Security will mail you a notification if you are eligible. If you qualify for Extra Help but are not yet enrolled in Medicare Part D, you can enroll in a plan at that time. Call your licensed insurance agent to select the plan that best suits your needs.

COPELAND INSURANCE
1360 S. Beretania St., Ste. 209, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-591-4877 | www.copelandgroupusa.com

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…
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. (HCAP) administers the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) for low-income seniors who meet the program’s eligibility requirements: 55 or older, unemployed, resident of O‘ahu, with an income at 125% of the federal poverty guideline. It’s a federally-funded program under Title V of the Older Americans Act.

The primary focus and goal of SCSEP is to provide the participant the opportunity to gain employment skills through part-time, subsidized, hands-on training and transition them into regular unsubsidized, full-time employment.

Program participants are also eligible for a subsidized medical examination (up to $50 per year) and can earn Social Security credits during their placement in a job in thier community.

Contact HCAP for more details.

HONOLULU COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (501(c) 3 nonprofits)
Senior Communty Service Employment Program
1132 Bishop St., Ste. 100, Honolulu, HI 96813
808-521-4531 | franky@hcapweb.org
www.hcapweb.org | www.hcapweb.org/senior-employment-program/

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…
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.

Two consecutive monthly sessions:

❶ Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin Social Hall 1727 Pali Highway, Honolulu 2nd & 3rd Wednesday each month 9:30am – 12:30pm *Parking is available (Photo by Alan Kubota of Lenscapes Photography)

❷ Waipahu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 94-821 Kuhaulua St.,Waipahu 2nd Saturday each month 10am – noon *Parking is available

For caregivers who are looking for additional assistance, one-on-one counseling may be arranged to provide a sympathetic ear and guidance, and to also address individual stresses and special needs.

Contact Project Dana to learn more or to support its caregiver programs.

PROJECT DANA (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
2720 Nako‘oko‘o St., Honolulu, HI 96826
Maria Morales, Project Dana’s CGSG Coordinator
808-945-3736 | cgsg@projectdana.org
www.projectdana.org

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…
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?

n Is the plan comprehensive? Does it include prescription drug coverage? Does it have those extra benefits that are important for the person I am caring for? Hearing aid coverage? Prescription glasses? A gym membership?

∗ Are there social workers to help me navigate the system to ensure that the person I am caring for receives the care and services they need? Is there a cost for those services to understand and navigate the systems?

∗ Is the plan an integrated health program? Can my physician see the notes from other physicians? Are they able to see when I last filled a prescription for my loved one? If I need a new prescription, can the pharmacy notify the physician directly and in a timely manner so there isn’t a delay in medication coverage? Can the physician email an order for an X-ray, so that it’s waiting for me when I arrive for services?

∗ What is the Medicare Star Rating? The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) uses a Five-Star Quality Rating System to track every health and drug plan very closely each year. Measures include various health plan screenings, care for older adults, member satisfaction and complaints, medication adherence and more. In mid-October each year, CMS reports the Star Ratings to the Medicare Health and Drug plans for the next calendar year.

› If a plan receives one or two stars, it means, on average, the plan’s scores declined (got worse).

› If a plan receives three stars, it means, on average, the plan’s scores stayed about the same.

› If a plan receives four or five stars, it means, on average, the plan’s scores improved.

These are just some of the questions to consider asking your current health plan provider or if you are researching other options in preparation for the Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period this fall, which spans Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 in 2019.

KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN — HAWAII
Medicare Sales Info: 808-432-5915 | www.kp.org
Information provided by the Hawaii Kaiser Permanente Medicare Team as an educational resource.

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…
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.

For the past five years or so, I have been engaged as an advocate, working with men across the nation — particularly in Maui County — helping them navigate through the ever-changing complexities of treatment modality, imaging options and interventions available in the world of prostate cancer. Fortunately, most men will be diagnosed with fairly low-grade disease that in many cases needs only active surveillance. But a significant number of men will fall into the category of those needing treatment for their disease.

The Support Group

I work through the peer-driven Answer Cancer Foundation (AnCan.org) as well as the Pacific Cancer Foundation on Maui to provide support, navigation and advocacy for men who are dealing with any cancer diagnosis, not just prostate cancer. I moderate free, live, online/telephone, bimonthly support groups for men. I have men calling in from O‘ahu and Neighbor Islands. We put our heads and hearts together to provide support and information for each other.

When I was first diagnosed, I was desperate for answers. I found my way to a support group predominantly comprised of women breast cancer survivors. I was the token male and welcomed, but I got no answers. I quickly realized that as men, we are not looking for emotional support and tissues as much as reliable information from peers who are going through a similar experience.

The world of cancer diagnostics and treatment is a rapidly developing dynamic. I have had scans, genetic tests and treatments that were not yet FDA approved or even conceived of when I was first diagnosed. Staying up to date with the latest technology is imperative. Awareness of treatment options can be life-changing.

I urge all men to connect with a support network. Remember, I am here to help you, too — including helping women who are trying to support their man through a tough time in this life.

ANCAN: MEN’S TALK STORY SUPPORT GROUP
Sponsored by Pacific Cancer Foundation (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
PCF Office: 808-242-7661 | Peter Kafka: 808-298-1655
www.pacificcancerfoundation.org/mens-talk-story
www.ancan.org/maui-mens-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…
Understand Your Medicare Options

Medicare serves more than 60 million people nationwide. 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 (AEP) — Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 — 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.

Hawai‘i residents can chose from between six and 19 Medicare Advantage plans in 2019, depend- ing on their county. Fourteen insurers offer Medigap plans in Hawai‘i.

When looking at other plans, check the provider’s network and formulary. Unless you are willing to find a new doctor, make sure your doctor is in that network. Every plan has a different formulary — a list of prescription drugs covered by a prescription drug plan. Make sure the drugs you are taking are in that plan’s formulary or else you will need an exception or another drug. Check the cost; prices vary between plans.

Other Medicare options are Medicare Supplement Insurance policies, also known as Medigap policies. Original Medicare pays for much, but not all of the cost of covered healthcare services and supplies. Medicare Supplement Insurance policies sold by private companies can help pay some of the remaining costs.

The 2020 “Medicare & You” book that comes in the mail in early October lists all the Medicare health plans and their costs. It also compares service areas, monthly premiums, out-of-pocket limits, primary care visits, specialist visits and so forth.

Medicare beneficiaries can also compare plans using the Medicare plan finder at www.medicare.gov. Compare up to three plans at a time by sorting by lowest estimated annual costs.

Medicare rates all health and prescription drug plans each year based on quality and performance. Use these ratings to compare plans.

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for help to pay for some healthcare and Medicare prescription drug costs. If you qualify for Extra Help and join a Medicare drug plan, you will get help paying your Medicare drug plan’s costs, have no coverage gap and have no late enrollment penalty.

Start researching now to see if you have all the benefits and services you deserve.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS INSURANCE INC.
1311 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 504, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-792-5194 | emotosue@fbihi.com
www.fbihi.com
Facebook: Financial Benefits Insurance

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…
Medicare for All!

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), 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.

Coinsurance: an amount you may be required to pay as your share of the cost for services after you pay any deductibles. Coinsurance is usually a percentage (for example, 20 percent).

Co-payment: an amount you may be required to pay as your share of the cost for a medical service or supply, like a doctor’s or hospital outpatient visit, or prescription drug. It is usually a set amount rather than a percentage — such as $10 or $20 for a doctor’s visit or prescription drug.

Coverage gap: a period of time in which you pay higher cost sharing for prescription drugs until you spend enough to qualify for catastrophic coverage. The coverage gap (also called the “donut hole”) starts when you and your plan have paid a set dollar amount for prescription drugs during that year.

Custodial care: Non-skilled personal care are activities like bathing, dressing and using the bathroom. It may also include the kind of health related care that most people do themselves, like using eye drops. In most cases, Medicare doesn’t pay for custodial care.

MEDICARE MOMENT WITH MARTHA
A radio program with Martha Khlopin KHNR-690AM: Sundays 9:30am–10am
808-230-3379 | getmartha@aol.com

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…
Continuing SS Benefits After 19

Q: 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?

A: 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. Then, you need to return page two and the certified page three back to Social Security for processing. If you can’t find the form we mailed to you, you can find it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/forms/ssa-1372.pdf.

Q: How can I get a copy of my Social Security Statement?

A: You can get your personal Social Security Statement online by using your personal “my Social Security” account. If you don’t yet have an account, you can easily create one. Your online statement gives you secure and convenient access to your earnings records. It also shows estimates for retirement, disability, and survivors benefits you and your family may be eligible for.

To set up or use your account to get your online Social Security Statement, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

We also mail statements to workers age 60 and over who aren’t receiving Social Security benefits and do not yet have a “my Social Security” account. We mail the statements three months prior to your birthday

For questions, online applications or to make an appointment to visit a SSA office, call from 7am–5pm, Mon–Fri: 1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | www.socialsecurity.gov

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.…