Category: Programs & Services

Social Security: Figuring Out Retirement

For almost every American worker, Social Security is “part of the plan” for a secure retirement. Here’s a primer on retirement coverage.

When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn “credits” toward Social Security benefits. If you were born in 1929 or later, you need 40 credits or 10 years of work to qualify for retirement benefits. No retirement benefits can be paid until you have the required number of credits. If you stop working before you have enough credits to qualify for benefits, the credits will remain on your record. If you return to work later, you can add more credits so that you qualify.

Your benefit amount is based on how much you earned during your working career. Higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits. A worker with average earnings can expect a retirement benefit that replaces about 40 percent of his or her average lifetime earnings. Social Security was never intended to be your only source of income when you retire. You also will need other savings, investments, pensions or retirement accounts to make sure you have enough money to live comfortably when you retire.

Your benefit payment also is affected by the age at which you decide to retire and begin receiving benefits. If you were born in 1942 or earlier, you’re already eligible for your full Social Security benefit. If you were born from 1943 to 1960, the age at which full retirement benefits are payable increases gradually to age 67.

You can get Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but if you retire before your full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced, based on your age. If you retire at age 62, your benefit would be about 25 percent lower than what it would be if you waited until you reach full retirement age. You may choose to keep working even beyond your full retirement age. If you do, you can increase your future Social Security benefits — up until age 70.

Choosing when to retire is an important decision, but it’s also a personal choice and one you should carefully consider. When’s the best time? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. There are many factors to consider. Look into Social Security’s publication When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html.

In addition, Social Security provides an online Retirement Estimator to get immediate and personalized retirement benefit estimates to help you plan for your retirement. The Retirement Estimator is a convenient and secure financial planning tool, allowing you to create “what if” scenarios. For instance, you can change your “stop work” dates or expected future earnings to create and compare different retirement options. Check it out at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

To apply online or make an appointment to visit Social Security office, contact:

1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
www.socialsecurity.gov

For almost every American worker, Social Security is “part of the plan” for a secure retirement. Here’s a primer on retirement coverage. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn “credits” toward Social Security benefits. If you were born in 1929 or later, you need 40 credits or 10 years of work to…
Medicare Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some very common questions that people ask our SHIP staff and volunteers. If you have a question, visit our website, call us or schedule an appointment. We have the answers. If you want to help your community, become a SHIP Volunteer — it’s a very satisfying job.

THREE COMMON QUESTIONS:

Is Medicare only for people over 65 years old?

Most Medicare beneficiaries are over 65, but people with certain disabilities or those who have received Social Security Disability Income for 25 months are eligible too. In Hawai‘i people with Medicare range from ages 18 to 100+ years old.

Does Medicare pay for long-term care?

Medicare does not pay the largest part of long-term “skilled nursing” care in a facility or in the home. Custodial and Interim care are also not covered. Some Medigap or advantage plans may cover very limited “skilled nursing” care after hospital stays. Private insurers offer long-term care policies.

Does Medicare pay for dental?

Original/Traditional Medicare does not pay for dental care. Some Medicare health plans have some coverage or a dental rider (additional insurance) that may be purchased.

Hawai‘i SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
1-888-875-9229 | 808-586-7299
help@hawaiiship.org | www.hawaiiship.org
facebook.com: Hawaii SHIP

This SHIP project was supported, in part, by grant number 90SA0004-02-00 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C., 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 Administration for Community Living policy.

Here are some very common questions that people ask our SHIP staff and volunteers. If you have a question, visit our website, call us or schedule an appointment. We have the answers. If you want to help your community, become a SHIP Volunteer — it’s a very satisfying job. THREE COMMON QUESTIONS: Is Medicare only…
Live and Die Without Regret

No matter where we stand, when people close to us die, a moment of personal truth emerges based on our perspective.

When we lose someone dear to us, we undergo a time of deep connection to those who are still living and to ourselves. We grieve. We rejoice. We replay special moments — laughing and crying together. We feel sadness and often regret. There is no right or wrong way to endure this transition.

Thoughts from a Daughter of a Mom

“When my mom died, it hit me… we sat going through jewelry and clothes in her closet… Each of us sisters shared bereavement, but each of us grieved differently. We expressed disappointment and sadness, summing up the personality of Mom in our own way, voicing incomplete messages like, “‘I wish I said,’ ‘I wish I did…”.

To live and die without regret means to take this time to work backward — to reverse-engineer those memories step-by-step and fully express our thoughts; clear up any incomplete actions that we had hoped to carry out.

We can’t put off tending to sadness or regret because each memory can become a constant replay: “I should have, could have, would have,” cluttering our minds. Feelings often plague a grieving survivor for many years — or for life.

Take time today to reinvigorate your relationships and connect with your loved ones by being grateful and forgiving. Live rich and treasured lives together. You can do it with a little help.

Life Coach Village, LLC
2383 Beckwith St., Honolulu | 808-372-3478
ap@annettepang.com | www.annettepang.com

No matter where we stand, when people close to us die, a moment of personal truth emerges based on our perspective. When we lose someone dear to us, we undergo a time of deep connection to those who are still living and to ourselves. We grieve. We rejoice. We replay special moments — laughing and…
Honey, Will You Sign Me Up for Smart911?

Register now for Smart911!™ Already, 1700 O‘ahu residents are signed up for this free program that saves lives, by filing important emergency information with Smart911.

911 dispatchers need callers to give them vital information so they may dispatch EMTs and Firemen to emergencies. Many victims cannot give proper information: little children, victims of heart attacks and strokes, people who are choking, people who don’t speak English, or cannot hear what 911 is asking. Dispatchers lose precious minutes attempting to find out a callers’ exact location and information. With Smart911, they already know where you are and what medications you take. For elderly persons living alone, Smart911 is a very important breakthrough.

However, sign-up for Smart911 is online and requires either a computer or a smartphone. So when your family asks you what you want for Christmas, tell them the best gift they can give is to help you sign up for Smart911.

How It Works?

You register critical information with 911: your disability, chronic disease or important medications. If your home is difficult to find or access, give 911 directions. Tell them if you have a dog. Tell them if you are not able to answer the door. In an emergency, 911 will be able to get to you without delay.

If you are caregiving a loved one, helping them register for Smart911 is the most important holiday gift you can give.

Register now at www.Smart911.com.
For general assistance with the HPD: 808-529-3111.

Register now for Smart911!™ Already, 1700 O‘ahu residents are signed up for this free program that saves lives, by filing important emergency information with Smart911. 911 dispatchers need callers to give them vital information so they may dispatch EMTs and Firemen to emergencies. Many victims cannot give proper information: little children, victims of heart attacks…
Class of ‘69 Begins the ‘Age of Medicare’

Roosevelt High School

If you graduated from high school in 1969, chances are you’re turning 65 in 2016, or you are already there. Congratulations graduate and welcome to the world of Medicare! If you are 65 and eligible, you may choose to graduate from a commercial health insurance plan to Medicare. Just like moving from high school to college or entering the job market, you may need some wise counsel and common sense advice.

In the Medicare space, your friendly guidance counselor may be a licensed Medicare sales agent, 1-800-Medicare representatives, volunteers at the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) helpline, or the same old valedictorian “know it all.”

A big mahalo to Dani Emoto, Andy Nomura and Vincent Yim of the 1969 graduating classes of Kaimuki and Roosevelt High School Reunion Committee for inviting me to hold a Medicare workshop for your classmates. It was a very enjoyable evening. As you and your classmates navigate into the “brave new world” of Medicare, remember that, 10,000 people are turning 65 years old everyday. You are in good company!

808-543-2073 | getmedicare@aol.com
www.Get2insurance.com
Morning Drive With Martha
A radio program with Martha Khlopin
KNDI-1270AM: Weekdays, 4:30 am–6 am

If you graduated from high school in 1969, chances are you’re turning 65 in 2016, or you are already there. Congratulations graduate and welcome to the world of Medicare! If you are 65 and eligible, you may choose to graduate from a commercial health insurance plan to Medicare. Just like moving from high school to…
Your Sweet Recipe for Retirement

Steaming gravy, savory stuffing and sweet potatoes — four types of pie for dessert: pumpkin, apple, sweet potato, and pecan. Every family has its Thanksgiving dinner traditions and recipes to create a perfect holiday meal. If you fail to plan or measure your ingredients, your pie could be a real flop. Planning for your future is the same. Follow this perfect recipe, and you’ll be rewarded with a delightful retirement:

Start your retirement pie by dropping in some simple information — on our online Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire/estimator.html. It uses your past earnings and estimated future earnings to project about how big your pie will be when you retire. Experiment with the recipe; drop in different future earnings and retirement dates until your financial security in retirement is just the way you want it. Next, top it with some savings. Social Security replaces about 40 percent of the average worker’s pre-retirement earnings. Most financial advisors say you will need 70 percent or more to live comfortably. To the Social Security pie, add your savings, investments, plus pensions or retirement accounts you will receive from your employer. Beautiful.

You like to taste while you bake? It’s easy to set up a secure online my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and check your reported earnings and projected benefit estimates any time you want. When your retirement pie is done, enjoy! You deserve a comfortable retirement. For more sweet retirement recipes, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

For questions, online applications and local SSA offices:
1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
www.socialsecurity.gov

Steaming gravy, savory stuffing and sweet potatoes — four types of pie for dessert: pumpkin, apple, sweet potato, and pecan. Every family has its Thanksgiving dinner traditions and recipes to create a perfect holiday meal. If you fail to plan or measure your ingredients, your pie could be a real flop. Planning for your future…
Did You Claim Your Medicare Rewards?
You read the title of this column correctly. Many Medicare plans are launching reward and incentive plans. Points earned can be redeemed for prizes or gift cards. Incentives are awarded for healthy activities that result in positive health outcomes. You could earn points for:

Completing an Annual Wellness Visit(AWV)

Tobacco cessation

Maintaining a certain Body Mass Index (BMI)

Diabetes screening tests

Cardiovascular disease screenings

Cholesterol level screenings

Other Screening tests and specified vaccinations

Recent Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) guidance to Medicare plan sponsors gives plans and your primary physician more control over when some health incentives may be earned. Now incentive or points may be awarded at the start of an activity or at other times during a required activity. Limits on monetary incentives also were lifted. The plans I reviewed offered points that you may redeem for items via a website. The guidance allows plans to offer gift cards as well. Reward and incentive plans are optional, so not every Medicare plan sponsor has or will offer them.

So during the next Medicare open enrollment season, or if you become newly eligible for Medicare, you may want to inquire if the Medicare plans you are considering offer a rewards and incentive program.

808-543-2073 | getmedicare@aol.com
www.Get2insurance.com
Morning Drive With Martha
A radio program with Martha Khlopin
KNDI-1270AM: Weekdays, 4:30 am–6 am
You read the title of this column correctly. Many Medicare plans are launching reward and incentive plans. Points earned can be redeemed for prizes or gift cards. Incentives are awarded for healthy activities that result in positive health outcomes. You could earn points for: Completing an Annual Wellness Visit(AWV) Tobacco cessation Maintaining a certain Body…
Women and Social Security

Social Security values and appreciates women. Men and women with identical earnings histories receive the same benefits, yet women should know about certain trends, differences in lifestyle and patterns of earnings that may affect their benefits.

For example, some women may be caregivers for many people: spouses, children and parents. Taking time away from the workplace to care for a newborn child, ailing spouse or aging parent can impact your future Social Security benefits.

Despite significant strides, women are still more likely to earn less over a lifetime than men, and less likely than men to be covered by private retirement plans. In their retirement years, they are more dependent upon Social Security benefits.

Did you know that on average, women tend to live about five years longer than men? This means more years depending on Social Security and other retirement income or savings.

If a woman’s spouse earns significantly more than she does, she may qualify for a larger benefit amount on the spouse’s record than on her own. To learn more, read, “What Every Woman Should Know” on www.socialsecurity.gov/women.

You may also be interested in listening to Carolyn Colvin, acting commissioner of Social Security, on National Public Radio as she talks about women and money. Just visit www.tinyurl.com/SSA-WomenLiveLonger.

Questions, online applications, or to make an appointment to visit a Social Security office, contact:
1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
www.socialsecurity.gov

Social Security values and appreciates women. Men and women with identical earnings histories receive the same benefits, yet women should know about certain trends, differences in lifestyle and patterns of earnings that may affect their benefits. For example, some women may be caregivers for many people: spouses, children and parents. Taking time away from the…
From a Fighting to a Forgiving Family

Did I hear right? “My brother threw a shoe at my mom.” “My sister cracked a dinner plate over my head.” “My brothers stopped giving me my inheritance.” “My mother hates me, favors my brother, even if I’m her primary caregiver.” “No one thanks me for what I do.”

These are true gripes from frustrated family members caring for their loved ones who are aging, ill or dying. Rather than relish these awesome “Golden Years” together, caregivers and elders experience an awful time, racked with screaming matches, tantrums, smear tactics and guilt. Some families waltz with each other, twirling around oncoming challenges in their path; while others fume and bicker in family feuds, dragging each other down with every encounter.

Best-selling author Atul Gawande writes, in his book, Being Mortal: “But once parents were living markedly longer lives, tension emerged. For young people, the traditional family system became less a source of security than a struggle for control — over property, finances and even the most basic decisions….”

It behooves caregivers to invest in professional coaching to resolve family fights, heal hurt and speak to each other in new ways. Proven formulas that improve family relationships can be learned and practiced. Your family can choose to forgive each other, increase harmony and work together to celebrate the transition of your loved ones.

For a schedule of free library workshops on how to heal and rebuild family relationships, visit my website listed below.

Life Coach Village, LLC
2383 Beckwith St., Honolulu | 808-372-3478
ap@annettepang.com | www.legendarywisdoms.com

Did I hear right? “My brother threw a shoe at my mom.” “My sister cracked a dinner plate over my head.” “My brothers stopped giving me my inheritance.” “My mother hates me, favors my brother, even if I’m her primary caregiver.” “No one thanks me for what I do.” These are true gripes from frustrated…
Family Peace is Important to Elders

You knew one day you and your family would be taking care of Mom or Dad. Yet, your family feels pinched; nothing is coordinated. Blame and guilt bubble up because you don’t know how to work as a care team.

Lack of agreement, finances and rivalry causes stress. Your own family and career commitments, and worries about your own declining health and welfare blur your roles as devoted daughter or son, wife, husband, mother or worker. This allconsuming situation takes a toll on everyone.

You are not alone. Many children caring for their elders bicker with siblings and feel frustrated and flustered trying to meet the needs of their elderly parents, children and spouses.

The sad reality is that elders crave attention from peaceful, cooperative family members, even if they aren’t in leadership roles. Therefore, sincerely getting along, giving up rivalry and healing past hurts become the foundation of family caregiving. Your loved one’s deepest desire is for you and your extended family to get along, treating one another with open hearts and kindness.

Sylvia Booth Hubbard reported on a United Healthcare survey showing that a positive attitude, diet and exercise all influence longevity. “… family was very important to them[elders], with 97 percent calling family a top priority.”

Successful family peacekeeping can bring you together before the “final goodbye.” Active healing methods and processes can allow your family to come to peace and give your aging loved one their greatest wish. It is possible, and it can happen — with effort, skill and focus.

Life Coach Village, LLC
2383 Beckwith St., Honolulu | 808-372-3478
ap@annettepang.com | www.legendarywisdoms.com

You knew one day you and your family would be taking care of Mom or Dad. Yet, your family feels pinched; nothing is coordinated. Blame and guilt bubble up because you don’t know how to work as a care team. Lack of agreement, finances and rivalry causes stress. Your own family and career commitments, and…
It’s My “Nursing Home” and I Live Here!

Legendary singer Diana Ross recently graced the stage of the Neal Blaisdell Center for an amazing evening of Motown hits and so much more. The stunning 71-year-old looked decades younger than her “baby boomer” audience. Ross sauntered down the aisle singing, “I’m Coming Out!” I was in the audience, enjoying a welcome respite from my “sandwich generation” lifestyle. Weeks earlier, my son and I were discussing whether he should return to the dorm next semester, seek off-campus housing or move home. My octogenarian mom, now in nursing rehab, is deciding whether to permanently reside in the nursing home, live alone or move in with us. As the music of my youth and the crowd’s energy eclipsed those thoughts, Ross sang “This is my house and I live here.” The words really hit home. While I am busy at work, a professional, well-managed and caring staff administers Mom’s medications, serves her meals and organizes activities, like keiki hula performances and even a karaoke hour. She enjoys the activity and being with the other residents. I never seriously considered long-term nursing as an option; but listening to Ross sing helped me realize that the nursing home is my mom’s home and she lives there!

808-543-2073 | getmedicare@aol.com
www.get2insurance.com
Medicare Moment With Martha
A radio program with Martha Khlopin
AM690: Sundays, 9:30 to 10:00 am

Legendary singer Diana Ross recently graced the stage of the Neal Blaisdell Center for an amazing evening of Motown hits and so much more. The stunning 71-year-old looked decades younger than her “baby boomer” audience. Ross sauntered down the aisle singing, “I’m Coming Out!” I was in the audience, enjoying a welcome respite from my…
Social Security Turns 80

Eighty years ago, on Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. The new law guaranteed a basic income for retirees and, at the time, the unemployed.

Over the years, Social Security has expanded its safety net beyond retirees to provide benefits for people with disabilities and the chronically ill, and spouses and children of deceased workers. The agency has evolved to serve the needs of a changing America. This year, we celebrate our past successes and look down the path to an even brighter future.

Social Security is there for you during all stages of life. We issue a unique Social Security number to most newborns when an application is taken at the hospital. We track income over your working career and accurately calculate your retirement benefit. We provide disability benefits to injured and chronically ill workers and their families. We provide survivors benefits to widows, widowers and minor children of deceased workers. We also provide Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to those with low income and resources, and Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs for people who qualify.

Social Security evolves to meet the demands of our digital world. “My Social Security account” lets you view your Social Security Statement, verify the accuracy of your earnings record, and get estimates of future monthly benefits — all online. Once you begin receiving Social Security benefits, you can use your online account to manage your record, including changing your address and phone number, checking your benefit information, changing your electronic payment method, and obtaining an instant benefit verification letter or replacement SSA-1099/1042S. If you don’t have one, sign up for a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Our safe and secure online services allow you to apply for retirement, spouse’s, Medicare and disability benefits from the comfort of your home. Visit https://www.ssa.gov/applyonline.

Looking to the future, we recently released our Vision 2025, a strategic plan to help us shape the future of Social Security services and maintain clear communication with you. For more information about our vision for the next ten years, visit https://www.ssa.gov/vision2025.

We look to the next 80 years to proudly serve- Social Security customers throughout their lifetime, when and where you need us. See how Social Security has evolved over the years at www.socialsecurity.gov/history.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Social Security 80th Anniversary Webinar

Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, 9 –11 am

Sponsored by

State of Hawai‘i Insurance Assistance Program

(SHIP, formerly known as Sage Plus)

Speakers:

Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i

– Retirement, Spouse’s and Disability benefits

– How to file, Social Security’s online tools

Pamela Cunningham, SHIP Coordinator

–Medicare A, B, C and D

For more information and to register, please visit online at
www.hawaiiship.org.

Questions, online applications, or to make an appointment to visit a Social Security office, contact:
1-800-772-1213 (toll free) |1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
www.socialsecurity.gov

Eighty years ago, on Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. The new law guaranteed a basic income for retirees and, at the time, the unemployed. Over the years, Social Security has expanded its safety net beyond retirees to provide benefits for people with disabilities and the chronically…

Category: Programs & Services

THREE COMMON QUESTIONS:

Is Medicare only for people over 65 years old?

Does Medicare pay for long-term care?

Does Medicare pay for dental?

Thoughts from a Daughter of a Mom

How It Works?