Category: Programs & Services

Senior Foodbox Program: Good & Healthy
What if there was an easy, affordable way to get necessary nutrients for good health, without having to figure it all out yourself? Hawaii FoodBank on O‘ahu is taking applications for the Senior FoodBox Program, an ongoing supplemental food program in addition to the current Hawai‘i FoodBank food voucher program. Each Senior FoodBox provides about 32 pounds of nutritious USDA foods, including canned meats, fish, juice, peanut butter, beans, nonfat milk, and ready-to-eat cereal. This federal Commodity Supplemental Food Program is managed by the Hawai‘i State Office of Community Services and distributed monthly at nine Hawaii Foodbank locations.

O‘ahu Senior FoodBox Program Locations:

Kokua Kalihi Valley Elderly Services — Kalihi: 1846 Gulick Avenue, Kuhio Park Terrace Community Center

Hale Ola Ho’opakolea — Nanakuli: 89-137 Nanakuli Avenue

Dynamic Compassion — Waimanalo: Waimanalo District Park, 41-415 Hihimanu St.

Sts. Peter & Paul Church — Honolulu: 800 Kaheka Street (across Don Quijote)

Waipahu United Church of Christ — Waipahu: 94-330 Mokuola Street

Once A Month Church — Haleiwa: 66-434 Kamehameha Hwy.

St. Jude Catholic Church — Kapolei: 92-455 Makakilo Drive

Sacred Hearts Church — Waianae: 85-786 Old Government Road

Requirements:

You must complete an application every year and re-certify after six months. Applications are accepted at any time. Once maximum caseload of 2400 seniors is met, a continuous waitlist will be maintained at each site.

You must be at least 60 years of age and show a photo ID confirming age and residence on Oahu.

Your gross income must be at or below 130 percent of Federal Poverty Income Level (FPIL)

How it Works:

Apply at your nearest FoodBox location. You must pick-up your monthly FoodBox from the same site where you applied.

Because the boxes are heavy (32 lbs), participants are highly encouraged to bring their own carts with wheels in order to pick up the food, or assign a proxy to pick up the box for you.

After six months, you will be asked to re-certify your qualifications in order to continue the program for the remaining six months of the year.

Hawaii Foodbank
2611 Kilihau St., Honolulu, HI 96819
808-836-3600 x 238 | www.hawaiifoodbank.org
View similar neighbor island programs online at:
www.foodpantries.org/st/hawaii
What if there was an easy, affordable way to get necessary nutrients for good health, without having to figure it all out yourself? Hawaii FoodBank on O‘ahu is taking applications for the Senior FoodBox Program, an ongoing supplemental food program in addition to the current Hawai‘i FoodBank food voucher program. Each Senior FoodBox provides about…
Oh What a Month

Looking back, the month of July seemed to just fly by (they say time does that as we “mature”). Many of us don’t realize what a monumental month July is.

We all enjoy the Fourth of July and celebrating Independence Day or just sleeping in and then relaxing by the grill, but let’s take a moment to look at some of the historical legislation that has been passed in the month of July and has impacted our aging and disabled communities.

July 2, 1964, the Civil Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson. This act outlawed segregation in businesses, banned discriminatory practices in employment and ended segregation in public places. President Johnson invited hundreds of guests to a televised signing ceremony in the East Room of the White House, and, after using more than 75 pens to sign the bill, gave away those pens as mementoes of the historic occasion.

July 14, 1965 the Older Americans Act was signed into law by President Johnson. It established the Administration on Aging within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and called for the creation of State Units on Aging. This law was passed in response to policymakers’ concerns about the lack of community social services for older persons (defined as 60 and older). This act authorizes funds for the states and territories to provide a wide array of service programs — from home delivered meals to transportation assistance. Funds are also provided to 244 tribal organizations and two Native Hawaiian organizations.

July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA is considered one of the most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation ever written. It prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in all the activities that many take for granted. Like the Civil Rights Act the ADA is an “equal opportunity” law for people with disabilities. The ADA was the act of thousands of people across America who spoke up in many different ways to reverse the injustices faced by people with disabilities.

July 30, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson traveled to the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri, to sign into law the Social Security Act Amendments of 1965, (Medicare/Medicaid). Actually, the proposal to assist retirees with pensions and insurance was not a new idea at all. Congress first held hearings on government insurance in 1916 during the Progressive Era. At that time President Franklin Roosevelt felt that it was a better strategy to first pass the “old age pension” provision (we know that as Social Security). (Note: The Social Security Act was signed in 19 years later, in 1935). Medicare has seen many changes since 1965, including the addition of benefits for individuals with disabilities, the Medicare Advantage program (managed care) and prescription drug coverage.

Yes, indeed, July is a landmark month in which to celebrate our freedom and all the benefits of living in America.

If you would like more information on Medicare or to volunteer in your community, please call the Hawai‘i SHIP.

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 -Sage PLUS Program
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.

Looking back, the month of July seemed to just fly by (they say time does that as we “mature”). Many of us don’t realize what a monumental month July is. We all enjoy the Fourth of July and celebrating Independence Day or just sleeping in and then relaxing by the grill, but let’s take a…
Senior Housing – Can I Afford It?

There are a lot of housing options available for seniors in Hawai‘i, but they all have their own rules, costs, types of services and levels of care. The most common housing options are retirement communities, assisted living, nursing homes, CCRCs and ARCHs. It can get a bit confusing and time consuming to visit all of these facilities; therefore, you may want to narrow your search before tackling site visits.

After a little bit of research, you will soon learn about the exorbitant costs of long-term care and senior housing. Most people realize they do in fact need a financial plan. The three most common ways to pay for senior housing and/or long-term care is, personal monies, Medicaid/SSI and long-term care insurance. Educating yourself on senior housing options and planning are the two most important ways you can prepare for a comfortable move and be able to afford it.

For more information on senior housing options, Medicaid, Medicare, long-term care insurance, and other topics related to seniors and real estate, consider attending a free seminar hosted by LIST Sotheby’s Senior Concierge:

August 29, 2015 — Medical & Healthcare Options Workshop –Healthcare Laws, Medicare, Medicaid & Long-Term Care

October 24, 2015 — Senior Housing Options & Case Management –Retirement Communities, Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, CCRC & ARCH

For more information, registration and a 2015 schedule of free senior seminars, please call 808-282-1399.

List Sotheby’s International Realty
808-282-1399 | Seniors@LaneyRE.com
www.laneyre.com

There are a lot of housing options available for seniors in Hawai‘i, but they all have their own rules, costs, types of services and levels of care. The most common housing options are retirement communities, assisted living, nursing homes, CCRCs and ARCHs. It can get a bit confusing and time consuming to visit all of…
Someone’s Knocking at The Door

“Someone’s knockin’ at the door, somebody’s ringin’ the bell, do me a favor, open the door and let them in.” Chances are, if you recognize the lyrics to “Let Them In,” written by McCartney, you may have already gotten a knock on the door by a Medicare agent. Few people can recall how Medicare was first sold. Medicare was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 30, 1965, and benefits became effective July 1, 1966. Eligible seniors did not get auto-enrolled; a force of 5,000 workers paid $1.25 per hour for 20 weeks went door to-door to ask them to enroll. In 1966, the Washington Post asked a reporter to shadow a Medicare worker. The reporter observed people who were home but would not answer the door — others slammed the door on the salesperson and a few reluctantly let them in. When asked about their hesitancy to sign up, many replied that they didn’t need it, assumed it was for the poor or that they couldn’t afford the $3 monthly premium. According to Social Security records, approximately 19 million were eligible and 93 percent enrolled in the summer of 1966, making the launch successful. Door-to-door solicitation is no longer allowed, but Medicare beneficiaries can schedule a no-cost, no-obligation home visit by an agent to learn about their Medicare options. So if you schedule an appointment with a Medicare agent, do yourself a favor — open the door and let them in!

808-543-2073 | getmedicare@aol.com
www.Get2insurance.com
A Medicare Moment With Martha
A radio program with Martha Khlopin
AM690: Saturdays, 11 am –11:30 am
99.5FM: Sundays, 10 am –10:30 am

“Someone’s knockin’ at the door, somebody’s ringin’ the bell, do me a favor, open the door and let them in.” Chances are, if you recognize the lyrics to “Let Them In,” written by McCartney, you may have already gotten a knock on the door by a Medicare agent. Few people can recall how Medicare was…
Decisions to Make as You Age

Where am I going to live as I age and will I need more assistance? Many feel overwhelmed with uncertain options, lack of assistance, decreasing energy and concern about financial burdens. What should I do? Most keep on living their lives without a plan. Some will get lucky and their lives will play out well without a plan. But most of us need a plan with options we decide, to help in times of crisis.

As your LIST Sotheby’s International Realty Senior Concierge and residential Realtors, we will help you with your plan so you are prepared to live out your days the way you want to. If that’s staying in your family home until the day you die, we will connect you with service providers to retrofit your home for safety and comfort. If downsizing and moving out of your large home is your preferred route — we will guide you through that process as well. It’s your decision.

For more information on aging in place, retirement communities, health care, and other senior issues and real estate topics, consider attending the upcoming free seminars hosted by LIST Sotheby’s Senior Concierge:

June 27, 2015—Aging-In-Place, Caregivers & Fall Prevention – Preparing Your Home for Independent Living

August 29, 2015—Medical & Healthcare Options Workshop – Healthcare Laws, Medicare, Medicaid & Long Term Care

For more information, registration (seating is limited) and a 2015 schedule of free senior seminars, please call: 808-282-1399.

List Sotheby’s International Realty
808-282-1399 | Seniors@LaneyRE.com
www.laneyre.com.

Where am I going to live as I age and will I need more assistance? Many feel overwhelmed with uncertain options, lack of assistance, decreasing energy and concern about financial burdens. What should I do? Most keep on living their lives without a plan. Some will get lucky and their lives will play out well…
Tips for Navigating Health Care Systems
Are you a family caregiver — taking care of your parents and also your own keiki? Understanding health care can be a challenge, whether you live with that family member or provide long-distance assistance. In the 2014 AARP Caregiver Survey of Hawaii Registered Voters, more than 62 percent of respondents 45 years and older said they will likely provide unpaid care to an adult loved one in the future.

Tips for you from other caregivers:

Keep all health insurance information, letters received from the plan or Medicare and your explanation of benefits in one handy binder.

Take a list of your family members’ current prescription medicationsand nonprescription supplements to every medical visit.

Become an authorized representative so that you may ask questions on behalf of your family member. (Note: This authorization is needed from spouse-to-spouse and one individual may have multiple authorized representatives.)

Take time to understand the benefits of the health plan: What providers are available? Can I go to any hospital in a nonemergency situation? What happens if I am traveling on the Mainland? What are the co-pays? Is my primary doctor considered a specialist under the plan?

Attend informational sessions (like the Generations “Aging in Place Workshop” in August — click here or see pages 10–11 of the magazine) to learn about availavle services and talk to other caregivers. You are not alone.

Keep a diary or log of all your family member’s medical appointments; compare them to visits listed on your Medicare Summary Notice (if you have original Medicare) or your Report to Member (for Medicare Advantage enrollees).

Always ask for an estimate of out-of-pocket costs when your family member needs to have a procedure (like cataract surgery).

Your neighbor or auntie may be the best person for a lilikoi jelly recipe, but if you have questions about health care coverage, better call your plan.

If you are waiting for more information before paying a bill, call the provider and tell them you are checking the charges. Unfortunately, we see individuals with bills in collection because they didn’t communicate with the provider.

Taking care of another person is the most difficult and rewarding job a person can experience. If you need help navigating the murky waters, just call SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). There is a SHIP in all 50 states and four U.S. Territories. Hawaii SHIP is a volunteer-based Medicare counseling program.

Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
1-808-875-9229 | www.hawaiiship.org
facebook.com: Hawaii SHIP-Sage PLUS Program
Are you a family caregiver — taking care of your parents and also your own keiki? Understanding health care can be a challenge, whether you live with that family member or provide long-distance assistance. In the 2014 AARP Caregiver Survey of Hawaii Registered Voters, more than 62 percent of respondents 45 years and older said…
Helping as a Representative Payee
If you handle the finances for a Social Security beneficiary or know someone who may need help managing benefits, you may consider applying to become a representative payee.

A representative payee is someone who receives Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments on behalf of a person not capable of managing the funds on his or her own. A representative payee meets the individual’s basic needs by using the money to provide food, clothing, and shelter for the person and saving any left-over money in an interest-bearing account or as savings bonds for the beneficiary’s future needs.

As a representative payee, you must:

know the person’s needs so you can decide how to meet those needs with the benefits provided.

be responsible for letting Social Security know about any changes that may affect the person’s eligibility for benefits or the payment amount.

complete a yearly report of how the funds were spent. (You can do this online.)

To help a friend who receives Social Security or SSI benefits and is not able to manage his or her own finances, help them contact us. Social Security will help determine if a payee is needed and who would be best suited to act in that capacity.

For more information, read, A Guide For Representative Payees, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs and When People Need Help Managing Their Money, at www.socialsecurity.gov/payee.

Thank you to all caregivers and represntative payees helping people in need.

_________________________________
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
If you handle the finances for a Social Security beneficiary or know someone who may need help managing benefits, you may consider applying to become a representative payee. A representative payee is someone who receives Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments on behalf of a person not capable of managing the funds on…
New Name – Still Great Volunteer Experience

April is recognized as National Volunteer Appreciation Month. Then May is Older Americans Month and the theme this year is “Get into the Act.” Our SHIP volunteers have been getting into the act through delivering community presentations, providing information at health fairs, counseling individuals on their options and benefits, and assisting beneficiaries with appeals for denied benefits.

SHIP: New name; still the same

At this point you’re thinking to yourself, “there is another program in Hawaii called the Sage PLUS Program and they do the exact same thing?” We are one in the same — we have just transitioned and are using our national network name to hopefully make things a bit less confusing (in the 2015 Medicare & You hand book it mentions the SHIP program approximately 20 times).

Get Into the Act as a SHIP Volunteer

State Health Insurance Assistance Program volunteers are our most valuable assets. They are the friendly voices that return your calls to our hotline; they provide outreach services on a regular basis at many of our Social Security Offices statewide. To meet the needs of our beneficiaries, volunteers have even provided a health insurance presentation at 6 am in the morning! You may interact with our volunteers at health fairs or in our office, discussing options or counseling on benefits. But there are many others that you may never see, playing very important roles behind the scene to support our programs. These volunteers enter data, put together presentations and health fair packets. They tirelessly and joyfully provide clerical assistance. Customer service specialists look up and gather information for the volunteer who will be assigned to assist you. We also have volunteers who work on special assignments such as Secret/Mystery Shopping, or testing of new materials and other short-term projects. We are now looking for volunteers who are interested in social media and would like to help us keep the online conversation about health insurance going!

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age (for some special projects we will at times accept persons below 18, with parental permission) and have an interest in helping their community. We do not accept volunteers who hold an active health insurance license. SHIP is statewide, so tell your friends we are currently looking for volunteers on all islands. Don’t hesitate “Get into the Act” and become a SHIP volunteer!

To all our current and future SHIP volunteers — Mahalo Nui Loa. To contact us for more information visit our website or love us on Facebook!!!

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

April is recognized as National Volunteer Appreciation Month. Then May is Older Americans Month and the theme this year is “Get into the Act.” Our SHIP volunteers have been getting into the act through delivering community presentations, providing information at health fairs, counseling individuals on their options and benefits, and assisting beneficiaries with appeals for…
Companion Program Helps Aging in Place

The importance of independence is ever apparent especially as we age. The Senior Companion Program is a vital community-based support service that enables frail kupuna to remain independent and live in their homes. The Senior Companion Program is under the Department of Human Services and sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Program recruits and trains senior volunteers to provide families and caregivers much needed time off. The companions also accompany kupuna to medical appointments and grocery shopping, provide light meal preparation and assist with other needs.

Ellen helps Gerrine look over papers.

The Senior Companion Program hopes to extend its reach on all islands by recruiting kupuna 55 years and older on limited income, who are interested in providing supportive services to lonely, isolated and/or homebound seniors in our communities. Recruits who meet the income eligibility guidelines and other requirements receive a nontaxable stipend, meal allowance and reimbursement for transportation costs. The program is also seeks to partner with nonprofit agencies that provide services to kupuna living in our communities. Be a part of helping our kupuna age in place.

Senior Companion Program
Anne Holton, 808-832-0343 | 808-832-0340
www.tinyurl.com/SeniorCompanionProgram-HI

The importance of independence is ever apparent especially as we age. The Senior Companion Program is a vital community-based support service that enables frail kupuna to remain independent and live in their homes. The Senior Companion Program is under the Department of Human Services and sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The…
Afraid to Downsize? Get Organized First!

As Realtors, Certified Aging in Place Specialists and Senior Real Estate Specialists, we help our clients connect with professionals who can help them downsize to a more manageable home. Often clients in large homes want to simplify their lifestyle. But one look at accumulated belongings in every closet, drawer and cubby hole makes it clear that they cannot make the move on their own. Left unattended, clutter continues to grow, and can become a fire hazard or home for pests.

You can learn do-it-yourself methods to systematically purge your clutter, at your own pace. Or, you can hire professionals to help you. Either way, decluttering your home gives you the freedom and ease to move to smaller, more manageable accommodations: a smaller house without stairs, a condominium where you don’t have yard work or perhaps a full-service retirement community.

To learn more about decluttering and other topics related to seniors and real estate, consider attending a free seminar hosted by LIST Sotheby’s Senior Concierge:

May 2, 2015 — Decluttering, Downsizing And Selling Your Current Home

Presenter: Christina & Yumi Laney

They will cover downsizing your home.

June 27, 2015 — Aging-In-Place, Caregivers & Fall Prevention

Preparing your home for Independent Living.

For more information, registration (seating is limited) and a 2015 schedule of free seminars, please call 808-282-1399.

List Sotheby’s International Realty

808-282-1399 | Seniors@LaneyRE.com

www.laneyre.com.

As Realtors, Certified Aging in Place Specialists and Senior Real Estate Specialists, we help our clients connect with professionals who can help them downsize to a more manageable home. Often clients in large homes want to simplify their lifestyle. But one look at accumulated belongings in every closet, drawer and cubby hole makes it clear…

Do You Know IRMA?

Millions of Medicare beneficiaries with Original Medicare or other Medicare health plans understand the costs associated with their Medicare Part B coverage. The premium for Medicare Part B is usually deducted from the beneficiary’s social security payment, or can be billed separately or paid by a third party. Medicare Part B coverage is provided to help with costs of physician visits, lab work, X-rays, etc. The Medicare Part B premium is released annually and can be increased, decreased or remain at the same level from a previous year. In 2015 the Medicare Part B premium remained at the same level as 2014. It is $104.90 per month for most beneficiaries, however it can be higher based on income levels.

Recently, a reader contacted us for an explanation of a Social Security letter he received shortly after he joined a Medicare Advantage plan. His monthly premiums seemed high. He believed that he would pay a Part B premium of $104.90 and a $0 premium for his Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan. However, a letter from Social Security alerted him that he would be subject to an Income Related Medicare Adjustment (IRMA) of $42.00 additional monthly cost for his Medicare Part B premium and another $12.30 adjustment to his Medicare Part D premium. Here is what we learned:

Most people don’t qualify to pay higher premiums, and never receive an IRMA notice.
IRMA is calculated by Medicare based on your modified adjusted gross income, as reported on your IRS tax return from two years ago.
If your adjusted gross income is above a certain amount your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums may be higher.
IRMA affects less than 5 percent of people with Medicare, so most people don’t pay a higher premium.

Part B Monthly Premium

Part B premiums are paid monthly. If your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount, you may pay more.

If your yearly income in 2013 was filed as (in thousands=k):

Individual	Joint	Married/Separate	2015 Payment
$85k or less	$170k or less	$85k or less	$104.90
$85k-$107k	$170k-$214k	N/A	$146.90
$107k-$160k	$214k-$320k	N/A	$209.80
$160k-$214k	$320k-$428k	$85k-$129k	$272.70
above $214k	above $428k	above $129k	$335.70

Part D Monthly Premium

The chart below shows your estimated prescription drug plan monthly adjustment based on your income. The adjustment is charged addition to your plan premium.

If your yearly income in 2013 was filed as (in thousands=k):

Individual	Joint	Married/Separate	2015 Payment
$85k or less	$170k or less	$85k or less	$104.90 + plan prem.
$85k-$107k	$170k-$214k	N/A	$146.90 + plan prem.
$107k-$160k	$214k-$320k	N/A	$209.80 + plan prem.
$160k-$214k	$320k-$428k	$85k-$129k	$272.70 + plan prem.
above $214k	above $428k	above $129k	$335.70 + plan prem.

We discovered the Medicare beneficiary who contacted us was subject to IRMA for only one year when his income was high. In later years his cost came down $500; he got to know IRMA.

LiveWell Resources Hawaii
808-543-2073 | getmedicare@aol.com
Making Medicare Work For You
A radio program with Martha Khlopin
AM690: Saturdays, 11–11:30 am
99.5FM: Sundays,10 –10:30 am

Social Security Brain Teasers

Test your knowledge or learn a few things today — with this in mind, tease your brain with these bits of Social Security trivia:

When was the Social Security Act signed into law, and who signed it?

When did Social Security begin paying disability benefits?

Is there any significance to the digits in your Social Security number — or are they just random?

Answers: The Social Security Act was signed into law on Aug. 14, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Check out a picture of it at: www.socialsecurity.gov/history/fdrsign.html.

Although Congress and the White House discussed Social Security disability benefits as early as 1936, they did not enact a law until 1956. Learn more about disability benefits at: www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

If your Social Security number was first issued to you before June 2011, the first three digits indicate the geographical region where you resided. Generally, numbers were assigned beginning in the northeast and moving westward — people on the east coast got the lowest numbers; west coast got the highest numbers. The remaining six digits just aided SSA’s early manual bookkeeping operations. As of June 2011, all numbers are randomly assigned without regard to region.

There’s more history to enjoy on Social Security’s history page. Tease your brain at: www.socialsecurity.gov/history.

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

Test your knowledge or learn a few things today — with this in mind, tease your brain with these bits of Social Security trivia: When was the Social Security Act signed into law, and who signed it? When did Social Security begin paying disability benefits? Is there any significance to the digits in your Social…

Category: Programs & Services

SHIP: New name; still the same

Get Into the Act as a SHIP Volunteer

Part B Monthly Premium

If your yearly income in 2013 was filed as (in thousands=k):

Part D Monthly Premium

If your yearly income in 2013 was filed as (in thousands=k):