Category: Programs & Services

IRA Changes to Part D in 2024

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which cut costs on some insulins and Part D vaccinations in 2023, continues to roll out more money-saving changes to prescription drugs in 2024. Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 to Dec.7) is the ideal time to consider how the following changes may affect your choice of healthcare insurance plan.
Supplemental Security Income

Social Security has expanded its outreach to people in critical need of financial help who may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI provides monthly payments to adults age 65 and older or to other adults — and children — with a disability or blindness who have limited income and financial resources. SSI helps…
Now That I Am Ready to Retire…

To qualify for Social Security benefits, you must earn a certain number of credits. The number of credits you need depends on your age when you apply and the type of benefit. No one needs more than 40 credits for any Social Security benefit.
Deciding Your Level of Care & Intentions

Have you heard of POLST? It stands for Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. The document is printed on bright green paper so that it is easily seen, and often is found on the refrigerator, near a medicine cabinet or on a bedside table. The form can be quickly understood by all healthcare professionals, including first…
Medically Tailored Meals for Kūpuna

Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels (HMoW) is dedicated to meeting the nutritional needs of the kūpuna on O‘ahu. We have developed a program to provide medically tailored meals to kūpuna who have multiple chronic health conditions, limited caregiver support and who require assistance with government benefit enrollment.
Medicare Season Attracts Millions

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, more than 10,000 people are turning 65 every day and may qualify for Original Medicare insurance. Once an individual obtains the core parts of Medicare, other options may lower out-of-pocket costs. Some beneficiaries choose to get their coverage from Part C Medicare Advantage plans.
Ho’opono Offers Clear Vision, Bright Future

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) under the State of Hawai‘i Department of Human Services provides services to Hawai‘i community members who experience barriers to employment due to a physical or cognitive disability. Vocational rehabilitation services are designed to assist job seekers with disabilities as they prepare, secure and retain competitive employment in an integrated…
Mediation Helps Families With Care Choices

As we age, we must take steps to prepare for our later years — and to avoid conflicts with family. One of these steps is creating a healthcare directive specifying the kind of care we want. Next steps will include identifying who should make healthcare and financial decisions if we can’t do so ourselves.
Aloha Pen Pal

I find volunteering the most humbling and rewarding when it connects the young and the old.
Time to Take Advantage: Switch or Renew

Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP) runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 and is an important season for all beneficiaries. It’s when the details are released about Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans for the coming year.