Category: Programs & Services

  • Medicare Can Be A Slam Dunk!

    High five, fitness and senior women friends at beach with exercise, celebration and excited in nature. Sport, people and elderly females with hands in support of wellness, training or success at seaAccording to the dictionary a “slam dunk’ is a scoring shot in which a player jumps and forces a ball down through a basket for an effortless shot. Even though the player may be part of a team and has a coach — a “slam dunk” is an individual play.

    Getting set to enroll into Original Medicare is also accomplished on an individual basis. The first step is to reach out to the Social Security Administration to learn important rules that determine your eligibility and enrollment strategy.

    Coaching is available by viewing documents, blogs and videos on Medicare’s secure website at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Many factors determine when you need to enroll and can be different from the timing for a spouse, relative or a friend. Timing is important to avoid missing your shot and incurring penalties.

    Next, you choose a strategy to secure Original Medicare. You can either register to access Social Security’s portal at ssa.gov to enroll online or contact them at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule a phone appointment. Once you submit your enrollment and follow-up to confirm acceptance, you have successfully joined the Medicare population of 63 million individuals.

    If you obey the rules, follow the basic steps and get coaching from the appropriate resources you too can hit a “slam dunk” and score Original Medicare easily and effortlessly for a winning Medicare season.

    GET2INSURANCE.COM FAMILY OFFICE
    1003 Bishop St., Ste. 2700, Honolulu, HI 96813
    800-226-3660 | martha@get2insurance.com
    Get2insurance.com

    According to the dictionary a “slam dunk’ is a scoring shot in which a player jumps and forces a ball down through a basket for an effortless shot. Even though the player may be part of a team and has a coach — a “slam dunk” is an individual play.

  • Volunteer to Protect Kūpuna

    Medicare fraud is big business for criminals. Medicare loses approximately $60 billion annually due to fraud, errors and abuse.

    When thieves steal from Medicare, there is less money for the healthcare we really need. We pay for things we may never get. We can get hurt when we receive tests, medicine or care we don’t need. Doctors, pharmacies and medical suppliers make mistakes; sometimes they straight-up steal from Medicare. Medicare is trying to crack down.

    Did You Know?

    • Hawai‘i leads the U.S. in average life expectancy at 83.1 years and kūpuna are vulnerable to scams.
    • Healthcare fraud, which includes illegal billing, is rampant and criminals are increasingly sophisticated.
    • Fraudsters want our personal identity, which threatens our safety, dignity and legacy.

    How Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Helps You

    Trained SMP volunteers assist beneficiaries in the first line of defense by:

    • Providing information needed to PROTECT from Medicare fraud, errors and abuse; DETECT potential fraud, errors and abuse; and they also REPORT concerns.
    • Assisting with questions, concerns or complaints and helping you understand your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
    • Offering free group educational presentations, and one-on-one, confidential counseling.
    • Referring non-healthcare scam concerns (romance, tech support, imposter/online, gift cards, etc.) to the appropriate agency.

    Contact SMP Hawaii and learn how you can help our community protect itself from healthcare fraud, errors and abuse. We need volunteers who are caring, want to learn, can speak another language to reach as many people as possible, and understand that it takes our entire state to protect kūpuna.

    SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL (SMP) HAWAII
    Department of Health — Executive Office on Aging
    250 S. Hotel St., Ste. 406, Honolulu, HI 96813
    808-586-7281 | Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
    info@smphawaii.org | smphawaii.org
    Facebook: smphawaii808

    This project was supported in part by grant number 90MPPG0053 from the US Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, 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 ACL policy. The Hawai‘i Department of Health – Executive Office on Aging has administered SMP Hawaii since 1997.

    Medicare fraud is big business for criminals. Medicare loses approximately $60 billion annually due to fraud, errors and abuse. When thieves steal from Medicare, there is less money for the healthcare we really need.

  • IRA Changes to Part D in 2024

    stethoscope on American tickets along with a boat of white pills

    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.

    • No coinsurance on prescription drugs for beneficiaries who fall into the catastrophic phase of Part D coverage.
    • 6% limit on average premium increases across most Part D plans.
    • Full financial help with cost-sharing and premiums may be possible for individuals who qualified for partial Extra Help in 2023 if they have limited assets and income less than 150% of the federal poverty level.

    Hawaii SHIP’s local, certified counselors provide unbiased information in one-on-one sessions and will screen income and assets for people with low incomes. SHIP specialists help clients submit Medicaid and Extra Help financial assistance forms and compare Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans on their behalf. Contact Hawaii SHIP to learn more.

    HAWAII SHIP
    Free, local, one-on-one Medicare counseling is provided by the Hawai‘i State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
    250 South Hotel St., Ste. 406, Honolulu, HI 96813
    Oahu: 808-586-7299 | Toll free: 888-875-9229
    hawaiiship.org

    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.

  • Now That I Am Ready to Retire…

    Q: What is the average Social Security payment that a person receives each month?

    A: The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker in 2023 is $1,827.00. The average monthly Social Security benefit for a worker with a disability in 2023 is $1,483.00. To get an estimate of your current and future benefits, create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount.

    Q: How do I earn Social Security credits and how many do I need to qualify for benefits?

    A: We use your total yearly earnings to figure your Social Security credits. The amount needed for a credit in 2023 is $1,640. You must earn $6,560 to get the maximum four credits for the year. The amount needed to earn 1 credit usually increases each year when average wages increase.

    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. You can read more about credits in How You Earn Credits at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10072.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) | socialsecurity.gov

    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.

  • 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.

    Each year, Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) allows current enrollees to look at options for the following year. They can decide whether to keep their plan or select a new one. If no changes are needed, beneficiaries do not need to do anything. If a beneficiary decides to change, the new plan becomes effective the first day of the new year.

    In 2022, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 28 million Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. This Fall, millions of beneficiaries may be scrolling through insurance websites, watching TikTok videos and reading marketing materials. Licensed agents might also give Medicare 101 workshops at your local senior fair.

    It’s time to take a closer look at your plans! If you are happy with your existing plan, just sit back, relax and enjoy your Medicare years.

    GET2INSURANCE.COM FAMILY OFFICE
    1003 Bishop St., Ste. 2700, Honolulu, HI 96813
    800-226-3660 | martha@get2insurance.com
    Get2insurance.com

    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.

  • Aloha Pen Pal

    I find volunteering the most humbling and rewarding when it connects the young and the old.

    On May 23, the RSVP (Retired and Seniors Volunteer Program) wrapped up a third pen-pal year with a lunch meeting — for the first time — with their sixth grade Pearl Ridge Elementary pen pals. I was unprepared for the chicken-skin experience. I guess we had no idea how close we became during our school year’s expansive weekly letter writing exchange. Our RSVP pen-pal program started during the pandemic. The focus was to mitigate feelings of loneliness. You might be surprised to know:  loneliness currently affects people of all ages. The US Attorney General recently stated, “Loneliness increases mental and physical issues, including dementia by 30%.” I feel having a pen pal helped us RSVP volunteers and sixth graders equally. There were hugs, some tears and heartfelt alohas as we met for the first time and then said our farewells.

    If you’re 55 or older and would like to be a pen pal, please join us at RSVP. It is an incredibly fulfilling opportunity.

    ADRC HAWAI‘I
    City & County of Honolulu Elderly Affairs Division
    925 Dillingham Blvd., Ste. 200, Honolulu, HI 96817
    808-768-7700 | elderlyaffairs.com
    RSVP Program (an AmeriCorps Seniors program)
    808-768-7778 | elderlyaffairs.com/site/460/rsvp.aspx

    I find volunteering the most humbling and rewarding when it connects the young and the old.

  • Don’t Let The Clock Run Out on Part D

    It’s official: You signed up for Original Medicare Parts A and B. Your enrollment isn’t quite finished yet though — at least, it shouldn’t be. Your next step is to enroll in a prescription drug plan. This is true even if you’re not presently taking any medications. It is important that you enroll in a timely fashion to avoid lifetime late enrollment penalties. The two ways to get drug coverage are through a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) which usually includes a prescription drug plan (known as MA PDP); or to enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan.

    When selecting an MA PDP or Part D plan it is important to consider:

    • Are the medications you’re taking on the plan’s list of covered drugs?
    • Monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
    • Which pharmacies are in network.

    If you need help paying for your prescriptions, consider applying for Extra Help, a low-income subsidy program from the Social Security Administration. If you are not sure if you qualify, contact Hawaii SHIP to have a trained specialist compare Part D plans for you and help determine your eligibility.

    HAWAII SHIP
    Free, local, one-on-one Medicare counseling is provided by the Hawai‘i State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
    250 South Hotel St., Ste. 406, Honolulu, HI 96813
    Oahu: 808-586-7299 | Toll free: 888-875-9229
    hawaiiship.org

    It’s official: You signed up for Original Medicare Parts A and B. Your enrollment isn’t quite finished yet though — at least, it shouldn’t be. Your next step is to enroll in a prescription drug plan. This is true even if you’re not presently taking any medications. It is important that you enroll in a…

  • Ask Medicare About IRMAA

    Whether you are newly enrolled into Medicare or had coverage for awhile, you may be one of the beneficiaries subject to a higher monthly premium for Medicare Part B. Approximately 7% of all Medicare enrollees pay a higher premium. Those impacted are notified by letter.

    You may request a redetermination of your Part B premium Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), by filing form SSA-44 (ssa.gov/forms/ssa-44.pdf). For assistance, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213, 7am–7pm, weekdays.

    Why the increase?

    Medicare Part B beneficiaries with high incomes pay an additional amount. If you are subject to the income-related adjustment, it will be calculated based on your tax return’s modified adjusted gross income two years prior to each new calendar year in which you have Part B or based on the date you enroll. The premium increase is based on income.

    Requesting Redetermination

    Complete form SSA-44 to request a redetermination based on a life-changing event, such as: work reduction or stoppage, loss of pension or income producing property, employer settlement payment, marriage, divorce/ annulment, death of spouse. By demonstrating an income decrease occurred after the initial  determination, your premium increase may be waived.

    GET2INSURANCE.COM FAMILY OFFICE
    1003 Bishop St., Ste. 2700, Honolulu, HI 96813
    800-226-3660 | martha@get2insurance.com
    Get2insurance.com

    Whether you are newly enrolled into Medicare or had coverage for awhile, you may be one of the beneficiaries subject to a higher monthly premium for Medicare Part B. Approximately 7% of all Medicare enrollees pay a higher premium. Those impacted are notified by letter.

  • BBB: A Beacon for E-Shoppers

    Shopping online can feel like walking through a bustling bazaar. Unique finds and great deal are everywhere, but not all sellers are created equal. This is true whether you’re shopping for gifts, buying clothes, ordering vitamins from an online pharmacy or reserving a hotel room for your next trip off island.

    To ensure you spend your hard-earned money at reputable vendors, visit the Better Business Bureau before you click “buy.” This trustworthy, independent nonprofit vets businesses of all sorts. Here’s a look at steps to use BBB — and other tools — to ensure you’re engaging with trustworthy companies online:

    Visit Third-Party Business Review Sites

    Independent platforms like BBB offer free resources to check a business’s reputation. Newer players like Yelp, Trustpilot and Amazon are helpful, but BBB has additional benefits. It also existed before the internet.

    Founded in 1912, this nonprofit was created to foster honest advertising and ethical business practices. In today’s digital age, its function continues to be of paramount importance.

    Uniquely, when searching the BBB website, it’s possible to limit results to accredited businesses.

    Accredited businesses are committed to BBB’s mission of creating an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust each other. They’ve been researched and vetted. Licensing has been checked, government actions reviewed, background searches have been completed. BBB has reviewed complaints and subsequent responses.

    Read Responses to Complaints

    Businesses will inevitably garner complaints online. What distinguishes a trustworthy business from a less reliable one is how it responds to these complaints. A good business will acknowledge the complaint, take responsibility if at fault and take clear steps to rectify the situation.

    The BBB regularly reviews how accredited businesses respond to complaints.

    Lean on the Tried and True

    With online forums and social media platforms constantly evolving, hallmark institutions like the BBB remain stalwart. In this complex and often confusing digital age, trustworthy tools like the BBB remain as useful as ever.

    Online shopping should be enjoyable — and as scam-free as possible. Taking a few extra minutes to research vendors can limit potential hassle. Deals can be too good to be true; that’s why BBB is here to serve you.

    BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
    12639 W Explorer Dr., Ste. 200, Boise, ID 83714
    808-628-3920 | bbb.org
    Report a scam: bbb.org/scamtracker
    File a complaint: bbb.org/file-a-complaint

    Shopping online can feel like walking through a bustling bazaar. Unique finds and great deal are everywhere, but not all sellers are created equal. This is true whether you’re shopping for gifts, buying clothes, ordering vitamins from an online pharmacy or reserving a hotel room for your next trip off island.

  • Seniors Have Fun & Flourish at the YMCA

    Seniors in our communities have been severely impacted by the pandemic, often struggling with hardships, health issues and feelings of disconnection. A staggering 45% of those surveyed in Honolulu County reported distress due to loneliness, anxiety and isolation.

    Staying active physically is also important; active lifestyles help prevent common diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Exercise can also improve mental health, mobility, strength and balance — all essential for reducing the risk of falls.

    YMCA Senior Programs

    The YMCA prioritizes seniors’ health and well-being. Engaging activities in a safe environment help members connect with each other. Bodies are strengthened and community bonds built.

    YMCA senior memberships are available at discounted rates or free with certain Medicare plans like Kaiser or HMSA’s Silver & Fit – Kaiser or United-Healthcare’s Renew Active. Financial assistance is also available for those who need it.

    Membership benefits include unlimited access to classes such as Zumba Gold or line dancing; heated pools for water exercises; yoga; stretching; chair-based strength training and aerobics; pickleball; gardening clubs; book clubs; walking clubs and more.

    The YMCA’s state-of-the-art fitness centers are equipped with user-friendly machines while friendly staff are ready to assist if needed. Virtual programs are available, too, allowing members to tune in from home when they be unable to attend in person.

    Free Kūpuna Food and Fun for the Community

    In partnership with the City and County of Honolulu Elderly Affairs Department, the YMCA also offers free nutritious lunchtime meals, socializing, enrichment, and physical activity classes at seven YMCA locations three times a week. No YMCA membership is required, but registration is required since spots are limited.

    Work or Volunteer at the YMCA

    The YMCA is always seeking talented individuals to join their staff team or volunteer. Work with children in the YMCA’s afterschool or child watch programs, or volunteer to help with programs like Kūpuna Food and Fun.

    YMCA OF HONOLULU (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
    Metro Office: 1441 Pali Hwy., Honolulu, HI 96813
    808-531-9622 | info@YMCAhonolulu.org
    YMCAHonolulu.org
    For information on membership, working or volunteering; and for the Kūpuna Food & Fun program, please call 808-678-4296.

    Seniors in our communities have been severely impacted by the pandemic, often struggling with hardships, health issues and feelings of disconnection. A staggering 45% of those surveyed in Honolulu County reported distress due to loneliness, anxiety and isolation.