Category: Programs & Services

  • Protect Your Property and Loved Ones

    The older we get, the more closely we look at our finances, real estate and family. Thinking about our home, who will inherit it and how will we want to be remembered. Estate planning, the next step in this thought process, can be very confusing and overwhelming. Senior real estate specialists are trained to work with you every step of the way, coordinating all the professional consultants you will need along the way. Educating yourself is the key to being prepared. Can you answer these questions?

    • Do I need a trust? Do I have a trust?
    • Is my trust up to date?
    • Should I have a revocable or irrevocable trust?
    • Who should administer my estate?
    • What taxes affect the value of my estate?

    If you do not know the answers to all these questions, LIST Sotheby’s Senior Concierge hosts free seminars year round, where experts in trusts, taxes, wills and estate planning will give you the information you need. Here are two upcoming events:

    March 14, 2015 — Legal Considerations

    Presenter: Scott C. Suzuki, AAL

    He will cover trusts, estates and taxes.

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

    Presenter: Christina & Yumi Laney

    They will cover downsizing your home.

    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.

    The older we get, the more closely we look at our finances, real estate and family. Thinking about our home, who will inherit it and how will we want to be remembered. Estate planning, the next step in this thought process, can be very confusing and overwhelming. Senior real estate specialists are trained to work…

  • Medicare Enrollment Periods and COBRA

    It is February and if you have not signed up for Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period and you are not covered by an active employer group health plan, you still may enroll until Mar. 31. Your coverage for Medicare Part B will begin July 1st and you may face a penalty.

    We have individuals that call us each year with a common question: “But I had employer group coverage — COBRA. Don’t I have 8 months to sign up for Part B?” We explain that Medicare enrollment periods apply to COBRA beneficiaries too.

    COBRA beneficiaries who are not currently employed and who delayed enrollment in Medicare Part B, may not qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP) to enroll in Medicare Part B after their COBRA coverage ends. They may, however, qualify for a SEP to enroll in Part D at that time, if the drug coverage they had under COBRA is creditable. Individuals on COBRA do not meet the definition of “current employment.”

    What is COBRA?

    The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to continue their group health plan for a limited period of time. A worker may choose COBRA under circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, reduction in the hours worked, transition between jobs, death, divorce, and other life events. Qualified individuals may be required to pay a full premium, up to 102 percent of the cost to the plan.

    In certain instances, where coverage under the plan would otherwise end, COBRA generally requires that group health plans sponsored by employers with 20 or more employees offer employees and their families a temporary extension of health coverage (called continuation coverage).

    Other Special Enrollments (SEP) Available

    Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period: Jan. 1– Feb. 14. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can leave your plan and switch to Original Medicare. If you choose to switch during this period, you’ll have until Feb. 14 to also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Your Medicare coverage will begin the first day of the month after the plan receives your enrollment form.

    5-Star Special Enrollment Period. Medicare plans are rated by members, plans, health care providers surveys and data. A 5-star rating is considered excellent. You can switch to a 5-star Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Cost Plan, or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (if one is available in your area) once each year. The SEP runs between Dec. 8 and Nov. 30 every year. Contact Hawaii SHIP for more information.

     

    Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
    1-888-875-9229 | 808-586-7299
    help@hawaiiship.org | www.hawaiiship.org
    For 2014 Medicare updates: www.medicare.gov

    It is February and if you have not signed up for Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period and you are not covered by an active employer group health plan, you still may enroll until Mar. 31. Your coverage for Medicare Part B will begin July 1st and you may face a penalty. We…

  • Social Security Fights Against Fraud

    If you’re like most people, you protect what’s valuable to you. To protect your family financially, you buy health and life insurance. To protect your home, you get homeowner’s insurance, a security alarm, or perhaps a large dog. You hide your jewelry in a safe place or buy insurance in case you need to replace it. You save or invest your money with a bank that offers FDIC coverage.

    Social Security is much the same. We value the people we serve, our employees who provide world-class customer service, and the integrity of our programs. We protect them by using many tools to identify, prevent, and stop fraud; we seek maximum punishment for those who commit it.

    Social Security has a zero-tolerance policy for fraud. We use tools to help us predict where fraud may occur, and by monitoring cases closely, we identify fraud early. We also have stiff penalties that discourage people from committing fraud.

    We cannot prevent every instance of fraud, just as law enforcement cannot prevent all crime, but we aggressively investigate and pursue prosecution of all who try to cheat the system. Our message to those who would defraud Social Security is clear: We will find you; we will prosecute you; we will seek the maximum punishment allowable under the law; and we will fight to restore to the American public the money you’ve stolen.

    Social Security takes fraud seriously and so should you. If you suspect someone is committing Social Security fraud, report it online at oig.ssa.gov/report-fraud-waste-or-abuse/fraud-waste-and-abuse or call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271.

     

    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

    SSA Logo Pantone 289-185

    If you’re like most people, you protect what’s valuable to you. To protect your family financially, you buy health and life insurance. To protect your home, you get homeowner’s insurance, a security alarm, or perhaps a large dog. You hide your jewelry in a safe place or buy insurance in case you need to replace…

  • MS. Medicare “Age of Elegance” Pageant

    L–R: Martha Khlopin, Laurie Bachran, Terri Rainey, Fay Rawles-Schoch, Eda Daniels and Al Harrington.
    L–R: Martha Khlopin, Laurie Bachran, Terri Rainey, Fay Rawles-Schoch, Eda Daniels and Al Harrington.

    The inaugural Hawai‘i Ms. Medicare “Age of Elegance” pageant held on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, at the Pacific Beach Hotel in Waikiki was sponsored by Get2insurance.com. The next Ms. Medicare event will be held in early October 2015. We pray this pilot project will grow much larger in years to come. The event’s mission is to boldly highlight that qualifying for Medicare does not diminish an individual’s vitality, relevance, or contribution to their family, community or society.

    Terri Rainey, Ms Dual Medi-Medi - Evening Wear Compeition Phase
    Terri Rainey, Ms Dual Medi-Medi – Evening Wear Compeition Phase

    Medicare plans are partly funded by payroll taxes deducted during our earning years and were always intended to “care” for us when we qualify. It is important to advocate for all beneficiaries’ access to clear information. These valuable programs are designed to provide affordable, quality health care to everyone who qualifies.

    We aim to promote access and education by sending Ms. Medicare pageant winners to events throughout the state so they may share information about the value of government programs. Holders of the Ms. Medicare crowns will share their own experiences as Medicare beneficiaries and discuss the great resources available.

    Ann Mata of Pageant Productions provided her 30 years of expertise and visionary leadership to this truly memorable event.

    If you would like to meet the pageant winners and learn more about Medicare or Medicaid, stop by our booth at the FHB Primetime WellnessFair at the Neal Blaisdell Center on March 5, 2015, from 8:30 am – noon. Or call Ann Mata at 808-342-1516 if you wish to schedule an appearance by one of our 2014 pageant winners at your next event. Access free workshops and online learning tools by visiting Medicare.gov or calling1-800-MEDICARE available 24/7.

    Ms Medicare Pageant Title Holders (L-R) Laurie Bachran - Ms Original Medicare, Terri Rainey - Ms Dual Medi-Medi, Fay Rawles-Schoch - Ms Medicare Advantage, Ida Daniel - Ms Medi-Gap
    Ms Medicare Pageant Title Holders (L-R) Laurie Bachran – Ms Original Medicare, Terri Rainey – Ms Dual Medi-Medi, Fay Rawles-Schoch – Ms Medicare Advantage, Ida Daniel – Ms Medi-Gap

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    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

    The inaugural Hawai‘i Ms. Medicare “Age of Elegance” pageant held on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, at the Pacific Beach Hotel in Waikiki was sponsored by Get2insurance.com. The next Ms. Medicare event will be held in early October 2015. We pray this pilot project will grow much larger in years to come. The event’s mission is…

  • 65 And Still On The Job

    What do Al Harrington, Tom Moffat and Melveen Leed have in common? All are over 65 and still actively working.

    Al Harrington, entertainer, healer and educator, says he qualifies for employer health coverage through the Screen Actors Guild. In a recent community PSA, Al encourages people to be proactive and visit their doctor for preventive care and regular health screenings. A cancer survivor, Al credits regular visits to the doctor (many available to Medicare beneficiaries at no cost) and practicing a healthy life style, for maintaining optimal health to keep up with the demand for his performances. He also says he inherited “good genes”. Al’s Mom is 100 years old, and lives in Honolulu.

    Tom Moffat continues to bring first class productions to Hawaii that entertain all ages. He can still attract the music legends I grew up with from the sixties, and score with my children with the more current music legends of today. How does he do it? He will never grow old.

    Melveen Leed is an internationally acclaimed, award winning entertainer who still has the pipes to sing beautifully. Leed is a crowd pleaser and favorite in Hawaii and throughout the world. She can sing your favorite Hawaiian tunes and then belt out Jazz tunes. I caught up with her at a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club, and was part of the crowd that erupted in a standing ovation.

    If you are still working beyond 65 and wonder how Medicare plans work, or if you plan to retire this year, ask your employer to contact a Medicare specialist who can conduct a Medicare pre-retiree workshop. Sessions held over a lunch period can provide sufficient information to avoid challenges later. Medicare-eligible employees usually postpone enrolling at 65 because they are covered under the employer’s plan. Learning about Medicare enrollment is critical to avoid any gaps in coverage, possible penalties and missed Medicare deadlines, when an individual retires.

    Live Well Hawaii Medicare specialists have conducted hundreds of Medicare workshops for local companies and their staff. Here is a common question from recent workshops:

    I just turned 65 and still work; I have health insurance coverage through my Employer. Do do I need to contact Medicare?

    Working at 65 or older, you need to understand how employer’s insurance coverage works with Medicare, now, as an active employee and later, as a retiree. There are specific rules for companies employing less than 20 employees, that may require enrollment in Medicare Part B (coverage for doctor visits, labs) even if you are working. Before you retire, talk to your Human Resources benefits manager about social security and Medicare.

    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

    What do Al Harrington, Tom Moffat and Melveen Leed have in common? All are over 65 and still actively working. Al Harrington, entertainer, healer and educator, says he qualifies for employer health coverage through the Screen Actors Guild. In a recent community PSA, Al encourages people to be proactive and visit their doctor for preventive…

  • Your Spouse May Be Covered

    If your spouse does not earn income or earns less than you do, he/she (including a samesex spouse) may be entitled to Social Security spouse’s benefits, based on your record. Perhaps one spouse earned significantly more or worked longer than the other. Maybe one spouse stayed home to raise children, care for elders or manage the household, while the other worked.

    Social Security looks at these possibilities to make sure both spouses receive the maximum Social Security benefits possible, whether based on each spouse’s earnings record or the higher wage earner’s record.

    At full retirement age, your spouse can receive as much as one half of your full benefit. Early retirement benefits may be as little as a third of your full benefit amount. Note that benefits paid to your spouse do not decrease your benefit amount. If married for at least 10 years, spouse benefits may even be based on the earnings record of an ex-spouse or deceased spouse.

    With so many options, a good place to start is our benefits planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/ planners in the “Benefits As A Spouse” section. If you are ready to apply for benefits, the fastest, easiest and most convenient way is to apply online at https://www.ssa.gov/applyonline.

    Due to a Supreme Court decision, we now are able to pay benefits to some same-sex couples. We encourage people who think they may be eligible to apply now. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/same-sexcouples.

    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

    Generations Magazine - Your Spouse May Be Covered - Image 01

    If your spouse does not earn income or earns less than you do, he/she (including a samesex spouse) may be entitled to Social Security spouse’s benefits, based on your record. Perhaps one spouse earned significantly more or worked longer than the other. Maybe one spouse stayed home to raise children, care for elders or manage…

  • Will I Outlast My Money?

    With Hawai‘i’s aging population and the majority living longer, we all start to worry about our financial security. How will I pay for my future expenses on a fixed income after retirement? Who will support me when I run out of money? What can I do to prepare myself? Educating yourself is the key to being prepared. Here are a few financial tips to point you in the right direction:

    • Deciding when to sign-up for Social Security can play a big role in how much you receive for the rest of your life.
    • Keeping up to date on new laws and changes in government programs for seniors.
    • Consult your Realtor, accountant and attorney to evaluate your real estate and investments.
    • Educate yourself on 1031 exchanges, reverse mortgages, medicare, medicaid, taxes and estate planning.
    • Come up with a financial plan that will help your money outlast you!

    These are all important things to consider, and List Sotheby’s Senior Concierge hosts free seminars on senior related topics year-round. Here are two upcoming events:

    January 31, 2015 — Financial Considerations Workshop covers financial tips listed here.

    March 14, 2015 — Legal Considerations Attorney Scott C. Suzuki, AAL, will cover trusts, estates and taxes.

    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.

    With Hawai‘i’s aging population and the majority living longer, we all start to worry about our financial security. How will I pay for my future expenses on a fixed income after retirement? Who will support me when I run out of money? What can I do to prepare myself? Educating yourself is the key to…

  • Getting Ready For 2015 And My Medicare

    The holidays are quickly coming. We hope that you have all looked at your Medicare options for 2015. If your plan won’t be available, we urge you take action and make the changes that are best for you. If you have not yet made your decision and need help comparing the many plans available, please contact the Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) as soon as possible for assistance.

    After any change, study your plan material and answer some questions:

    Are my medications covered and at what tier?

    If my name brand or generic drug is tier 2/4 (preferred) and medically necessary; and if I cannot tolerate the comparable drug at a lower level — I can ask for an exception.

    Are my providers in the network?

    If my current provider is not in my new HMO network, I will need to look for a new provider using my recently received provider directory.

    Have I provided my new plan card to my doctor’s office?

    Please do this on your first visit so that your providers will request payment from the correct insurance company.

    Every January, even if you are happy and healthy, it’s good to schedule an “annual wellness visit” with your primary care doctor. Sit down and discuss your health goals for the year and schedule any needed preventive benefits. Your doctor will ask you to fill out a questionnaire called a “health risk assessment;” this will help them to develop a Personalized Prevention Plan just for you. If your doctor is in the network or accepts assignment, then you pay nothing for the wellness visit. If the healthcare provider performs additional tests or services during the same visit (tests that are not covered under this preventive benefit), you may have to pay a coinsurance or deductible. Besides the Personalized Prevention Plan, your annual wellness visit also includes: a review of your medical and family history; making a list of current providers and prescriptions; routine measurements, including height, weight, blood pressure; testing for any cognitive impairment; personalized health advice; a list of health risk factors and treatment options for you; and a screening schedule for appropriate preventive services. Eleven months must have passed since your last visit for your annual wellness visit to be a covered service. To make sure it is covered, make it part of your regular annual January routine.

    Have a safe and healthy holiday season — if you have extra time, consider volunteering with Hawaii SHIP. There is no better way to help your community. Give us a call or visit us online for more information.

    Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
    1-888-875-9229 | 808-586-7299
    help@hawaiiship.org | www.hawaiiship.org
    For 2014 Medicare updates: www.medicare.gov

    The holidays are quickly coming. We hope that you have all looked at your Medicare options for 2015. If your plan won’t be available, we urge you take action and make the changes that are best for you. If you have not yet made your decision and need help comparing the many plans available, please…

  • Identifying Needs of Older Residents

    Generations Magazine- Identifying Needs of Older Residents-Image 01A survey of 45-64 year-old adults on O‘ahu ranks affordable home health care and housing the greatest needs facing Honolulu seniors. The 2014 AARP Livable Communities Survey in Honolulu, Hawaii of Adults Age 45+ identifies needs of older residents as well as gaps in community services.

    Of all environmental, economic and social factors in eight key areas or domains, survey respondents rated community and health services most important. They gave reliable emergency ambulance service, well-maintained hospitals and health care facilities, and affordable health services the highest priority. Affordable home health was the greatest gap in community services.

    This survey offers the latest evidence that residents are troubled by the high cost of nursing care. As adult children assume responsibility for the care of their older loved ones, many prefer to care for them at home. This places a greater burden on family caregivers, who look for help from paid home health aides, a workforce in seriously short supply. That’s why 9 in 10 respondents say that affordable home health care is either not available or they don’t know where to find help.

    Most survey respondents are home owners who say they would prefer to age-in-place, so top housing issues relate to home repairs that would allow them stay in the home. Nearly all said affordable home repair and having many home contractors to choose from are extremely or very important. Over four in five residents say affordable assisted living is important — another indication that caregiving and long-term care are key concerns.

    The survey also identifies housing as the greatest need facing Honolulu’s older residents — with affordable home prices rated highest. Other in-home needs include various aging-in-place options, like a no-step entrance, wider doorways, grab bars in bathrooms, and first floor bedrooms and bathrooms. Well-maintained, low-income housing also came up as a community need.

    These survey findings will be used as a baseline to help city policymakers and planners develop an action plan for the Age-Friendly City initiative, a partnership between the City and County of Honolulu, AARP Hawai‘i, and the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. Announced by city officials in March 2014, this initiative is intended to promote health, encourage civic engagement, and sustain economic growth in Honolulu, as our population grows older.

     

    AARP Hawai‘i state office:
    808-545-6024 | Toll-Free: 866-295-7282
    www.aarp.org/hi | facebook.com/AARPHawaii
    twitter.com/AARPHawaii

    A survey of 45-64 year-old adults on O‘ahu ranks affordable home health care and housing the greatest needs facing Honolulu seniors. The 2014 AARP Livable Communities Survey in Honolulu, Hawaii of Adults Age 45+ identifies needs of older residents as well as gaps in community services. Of all environmental, economic and social factors in eight…

  • Premium Senior Services

    Generations Magazine- Premium Senior Services- Image 01Caring for our aging loved ones doesn’t have to be a strain on our daily lives. Not when Catholic Charities Hawai‘i Premium Senior Services Program (PSS) offers seniors and their families a way to maintain independence and get relief for busy caregivers.

    Premium Senior Services is a private pay program of Catholic Charities Hawai‘i and offers seniors, and their families, a faster way to get help with simple daily tasks, without qualifications or waiting. Seniors can still maintain independence and busy caregivers can have peace of mind about loved ones.

    PSS screened and trained staff help with housekeeping, light meal preparation, expert advice, coordination of services and transportation to medical appointments. Soon, personal care services including: bathing, grooming, dressing, oral care and nail trimming, will also be available.

    For more information, call 808-527-4777 or visit www.PremiumSeniorServices.com.

     

    Caring for our aging loved ones doesn’t have to be a strain on our daily lives. Not when Catholic Charities Hawai‘i Premium Senior Services Program (PSS) offers seniors and their families a way to maintain independence and get relief for busy caregivers. Premium Senior Services is a private pay program of Catholic Charities Hawai‘i and…

  • Social Security Helps Veterans

    November 11, Veterans Day, is a time to honor the men and women who risk their lives to protect our freedom. Join us in saluting the men and women of the armed forces. Be sure to say “thank you” to all veterans on this important day.

    At Social Security’s Wounded Warriors website: www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors, we answer a number of commonly asked questions, and share other useful information about disability benefits, including how veterans can receive expedited processing of disability claims. Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application.

    Our expedited process is for military service members who became disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs.

    Active duty military receiving pay while in a hospital or on medical leave should consider applying for disability benefits if they are unable to work due to a disabling condition. Active duty status and receipt of military pay do not necessarily disqualify an applicant. A person cannot receive Social Security disability benefits while engaging in substantial work for pay or profit. However, work activity, not the amount of pay determines if your disability qualifies you for benefits.

    We at Social Security thank all veterans and members of the armed services for all that they do — not only on Veterans Day, but every day of the year.

     

    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

    November 11, Veterans Day, is a time to honor the men and women who risk their lives to protect our freedom. Join us in saluting the men and women of the armed forces. Be sure to say “thank you” to all veterans on this important day. At Social Security’s Wounded Warriors website: www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors, we answer…

  • It’s Time: Medicare Open Enrollment

    Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (also called the “Annual Enrollment Period”) is each year from Oct. 15th — Dec. 7th. Each year this is your opportunity to do a Medicare Checkup:

    • Will my plan still be available in 2016?
    • Is my plan still affordable (looking at premiums AND copays)?
    • Are there any new health or drug plans available in my area that my favorite doctors will work with?

    Here are some questions that we often hear from consumers:

    Do I have to change plans?

    No. If your plan works for you and provides coverage, is affordable and still available in your area then you can stay with that plan automatically. You may want to do that Medicare Check-up to look at all options.

    If a plan premium is higher than others does it mean it is a “better” plan?

    No. You should not base your decision solely on a plan premium. You should compare benefits and copays and make sure your doctor works with the plan. You might also want to check out the plan’s Medicare 5-Star Rating, which is available at www.medicare.gov after October 15th. Medicare looks at data received by the health plan and you, the customer, to rate the plans with a 1-Star (lowest) to a 5-Star (highest). Hawai‘i has been very lucky to have a 5-Star plan since Medicare started the ratings. We hope to have more than one 5-Star plan in 2016.

    What is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy?

    A Medigap policy pays after Medicare and you may have little out of pocket costs. Private insurance companies sell it and the federal government in most states standardizes the benefits. What may differ is the premium and any specific state laws that apply.

    I have tried to navigate the Medicare system and I need help. Who can I call in Hawai‘i?

    You can call or email the Hawaii SHIP — State Health Insurance Assistance Program. We are a network of trained and certified volunteers who can help you walk through the system and screen to see if you qualify for any help paying for Medicare’s costs.

    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.

    Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (also called the “Annual Enrollment Period”) is each year from Oct. 15th — Dec. 7th. Each year this is your opportunity to do a Medicare Checkup: Will my plan still be available in 2016? Is my plan still affordable (looking at premiums AND copays)? Are there any new health or drug…