Category: Programs & Services

  • Keep up With Social Security Online

    We strive to provide the public with accurate and helpful information. In addition to the resources available on our website at ssa.gov, we also regularly post useful information on our blog and on social media. We invite you to read our posts and share items of interest with your family and friends.

    ◆ You can subscribe to our blog. We post articles about programs, policies, current topics, and new online services. Read more and subscribe at blog.ssa.gov.
    ◆ You can follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/socialsecurity. You can also share Facebook posts with family and friends.
    ◆ We have many informative videos on YouTube.
    Our videos cover online services, applying for retirement and disability benefits, Social Security-related scams and much more. You can view our videos at youtube.com/SocialSecurity.
    ◆ You can join our many Twitter followers at twitter.com/socialsecurity. We use Twitter to announce new My Social Security features and other service or program changes.
    ◆ We share stories and resources that can help you and your loved ones. Check out our Instagram page at instagram.com/SocialSecurity. Check out all our social media channels at ssa.gov/socialmedia.

    For more information, visit socialsecurity.gov
    or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

    We strive to provide the public with accurate and helpful information. In addition to the resources available on our website at ssa.gov, we also regularly post useful information on our blog and on social media. We invite you to read our posts and share items of interest with your family and friends.

  • Coalition Guide to Caring for Kūpuna

    The Hawai‘i Family Caregiver Coalition was formed to develop new partnerships at local and state levels to advance a coordinated approach to address the needs of  Hawai‘i’s family caregivers. As caregiving touches everyone, the mission of the Hawai‘i Family Caregiver Coalition (HFCC) is to improve the quality of life of those who give and receive care by increasing community awareness of caregiver issues through continuing advocacy, education and training.

    A Team Effort

    HFCC has released Aging & Disability Issues 2023 (https://hfccoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Booklet-Aging-Issues-23-web.pdf), its 18th annual publication that offers an overview of legislative issues dealing with aging, disability, caregiving and long-term supports and services. The purpose of the report is to call attention to the priority issues which deserve the serious attention of our lawmakers, advocates and the public. The publication is a joint project of HFCC, the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawai‘i Pacific Gerontological Society and the Maui County Office on Aging.

    The report has seven sections. It highlights priorities for the current legislative sessions; many local advocacy groups that focus on issues of concern for elderly and disabled people — as well as for their caregivers — have collaborated and are in agreement about themes they wish to see state lawmakers address.

    Specific bills are addressed also, by bill number. Resources for additional information are also listed.

    People are most likely to be motivated to support public policies when they perceive that a problem may affect them personally. In addition to a summary of bills, Aging & Disability Issues 2023 includes personal stories which describe the difficulties any of us could experience if faced with aging or disability. These stories provide a human face to legislative issues by illustrating how these issues are embodied in the very human experiences of individuals and families.

    Our current governor and legislators have demonstrated their commitment to care for our vulnerable disabled and elderly, and to find the resources which make this  possible in a fiscally responsible manner. Just as importantly, everyone has a shared responsibility to care for our kūpuna and for those who face difficult challenges due to disabilities. Aging & Disability Issues 2023 is a guide for Hawai‘i’s elected officials, organizations and citizens to fulfilling these responsibilities to our kūpuna and persons with disabilities.

    HAWAI‘I FAMILY CAREGIVER COALITION (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
    2630 Oahu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96822
    808-265-5716 | gsimon@aarp.org
    hfccoalition.org

    The Hawai‘i Family Caregiver Coalition was formed to develop new partnerships at local and state levels to advance a coordinated approach to address the needs of  Hawai‘i’s family caregivers. As caregiving touches everyone, the mission of the Hawai‘i Family Caregiver Coalition (HFCC) is to improve the quality of life of those who give and receive…

  • Gain Skills to Avoid Medicare Fraudsters

    With our state’s senior population growing at a rapid rate, protecting kūpuna against the threat of Medicare fraud and abuse is essential.

    More than 10,000 Americans turn 65 each day, becoming eligible for Medicare as they blow out their birthday candles. As of 2020, one in four Hawai‘i residents is 65 or older, with this population growing at an annual rate of 17%.

    Hawai’i also has the highest life expectancy in the country, with an average of 83.1 years of age. Together, these facts mean that by 2030, a third of Hawai’i’s total  population will be Medicare eligible.

    By 2037, more than 500,000 residents will be eligible for Medicare in Hawai‘i. Current figures show 295,405 enrolled in the program.

    This population shift has huge economic impacts. Hospital and drug costs are expected to exceed $1 trillion nationwide by the end of 2022. Medicare loses $70 billion annually to fraudulent claims — a serious potential solvency issue.

    Online scams have already caused a loss of over $17 million in Hawai‘i. To combat Medicare fraud and abuse, the federal government continues to lean on the Hawai‘i Senior Medicare Patrol, or SMP Hawai’i.

    This 25-year-old program is administered by the Hawai’i State Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging. Relying heavily on volunteers, its programs empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers to take steps to prevent, detect and report healthcare fraud, errors and abuse.

    SMP Hawaii services include outreach, counseling and education.

    Inquiries or concerns about non-healthcare fraud and abuse are referred to appropriate agencies. These might include scams related to investment, romance, caregivers, gift cards, imposters, Social Security benefits, wire transfers, ransomware, phishing, spoofing, agent misconduct, genetic testing, COVID test kits and more.

    Kūpuna worked hard to accrue assets meant to sustain them into old age. Losing these to scams can be devastating. Arming kūpuna and their families with information is therefore critical, as knowledge is the best deterrent against fraudsters.

    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.

    With our state’s senior population growing at a rapid rate, protecting kūpuna against the threat of Medicare fraud and abuse is essential. More than 10,000 Americans turn 65 each day, becoming eligible for Medicare as they blow out their birthday candles. As of 2020, one in four Hawai‘i residents is 65 or older, with this…

  • Getting Ahead of Incapacity

    Many of us go through life believing everything will go according to plan. However, as the saying goes, even the best-laid plans go astray. So, to avoid unnecessary interruptions later in life that can be both financially and emotionally costly, it is wise to plan now for the possibility of incapacity.

    Incapacity can come in several forms, and it can occur suddenly or gradually over a period of time. Some of the negative impacts of incapacity — especially dealing with finances and health-care decision-making — can be avoided by having your estate plans prepared in advance. Planning for incapacity can include things like having all the appropriate estate planning documents (e.g.,durable power of attorney, advance healthcare directive, will and/or trust) drafted and executed. However, each person is different, so you should consult with an estate planning attorney to provide guidance and explain the documents you will need to be best prepared in the event of incapacity.

    In addition to estate planning documents, it can be very helpful that you prepare others, such as family and friends, for the possibility of incapacity. Having a frank conservation with them about your wishes and directions can limit the emotional impact and provide clarity about your estate plan.

    CSI TRUST COMPANY (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
    1001 Bishop St., Ste. 2305, Honolulu, HI 96813
    808-538-0353 | csitrustcompany.org

    Many of us go through life believing everything will go according to plan. However, as the saying goes, even the best-laid plans go astray. So, to avoid unnecessary interruptions later in life that can be both financially and emotionally costly, it is wise to plan now for the possibility of incapacity.

  • Medicare 2023: Hawai‘i’s Got It Good!

    Medicare 2023When my Hawai‘i Medicare Advantage members move to the mainland, they often don’t want to look for a new agent. So I find myself getting licensed in other states so I can help them find a new healthcare plan. What I keep learning is that compared with the mainland, Hawai‘i has really great plans. Offerings got even better for  2023.

    For the first time, we have Medicare Advantage plans that include massage coverage. While many plans offer some built-in or add-on dental, a couple of plans actually have a dental allowance that will cover implants. A few Medicare Advantage plans removed the Part D drug deductible entirely, which can save members hundreds of dollars.

    Other new benefits may not be as exciting, but could be lifesaving. We have some plans now offering members bathroom safety equipment with no copay, such as raised toilet seats and tub seats. Another possibility that could give members and their loved ones much peace of mind is a medical alert device at no charge. That Medicare Advantage plan will also cover the cost of the monthly monitoring fees.

    Every year, no matter the time of year, all Medicare beneficiaries should contact an experienced broker to make sure they are getting the maximum benefits they are entitled to.

    THE MEDICARE GEEK
    1221 Victoria St., #3103, Honolulu, HI 96814
    808-724-4993 | robin@themedicaregeek.com
    themedicaregeek.com

    When my Hawai‘i Medicare Advantage members move to the mainland, they often don’t want to look for a new agent. So I find myself getting licensed in other states so I can help them find a new healthcare plan. What I keep learning is that compared with the mainland, Hawai‘i has really great plans.

  • Medicare Part B Start Date Changes

    Senior woman using smartphone at home after exercise. The use of technology by the elderly.Changes are coming in 2023 regarding when Medicare Part B coverage starts. Please forward this article to those who may need it.

    WHAT IS NOT CHANGING

    If you are eligible at age 65, your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Begins three months before your 65th birthday; includes the month of your 65th birthday; and ends three months after your 65th birthday. If you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B or if you sign up during the first three months of your IEP, your coverage will start the month you’re first eligible. If you sign up the month you turn 65, your coverage will start the first day of the following month.

    WHAT IS CHANGING

    • Starting Jan. 1, 2023, your Medicare Part B coverage starts the first day of the month after you sign up, if you sign up during the last three months of your IEP.
    • If you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B during your IEP, you have another chance each year during the General Enrollment Period (GEP), Jan. 1 through March 31. Starting Jan. 1, 2023, your coverage starts the first day of the month after you sign up.

    Learn more about these updates at www.ssa.gov/medicare and our Medicare publication at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10043.pdf.

    For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov
    or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

    Changes are coming in 2023 regarding when Medicare Part B coverage starts. Please forward this article to those who may need it.

  • Lower Prescription Copays in 2023

    According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the number of Medicare beneficiaries in Hawai‘i has grown to 281,091. Seventy-two percent of  beneficiaries have prescription drug coverage through Medicare Parts C and D. Even so, prescriptions can be expensive. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is intended to help lower copays for covered medications.

    close up of 100 dollar bill with pills on top of itStarting this year, all Part D-covered vaccinations will be free. For those who take a covered insulin, the maximum copay will now be $35 a month. Insulin used with a pump will cost $35 a month starting in July.

    Call or email Hawaii SHIP to request a free plan comparison. Plan comparison specialists will help you find the plan that best covers your medications for the lowest out-of-pocket cost. If you need help paying for your medication, counselors will screen for eligibility and help you to enroll in the Social Security Administration’s Extra Help program. All one-on-one counseling sessions are confidential and the information is unbiased — SHIP is not affiliated with any insurance company. To learn more about Medicare and to help others, volunteer today.

    HAWAII SHIP
    Free, local, one-on-one Medicare counseling 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
    www.hawaiiship.org

    According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the number of Medicare beneficiaries in Hawai‘i has grown to 281,091. Seventy-two percent of  beneficiaries have prescription drug coverage through Medicare Parts C and D. Even so, prescriptions can be expensive. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is intended to help lower copays for covered medications.

  • Keep Good Health Insurance

    During my 12-plus years in the Medicare health insurance field, I have talked to many people aging into Medicare. In our discussions, I am consistently told that they never get sick and take few drugs, so they are just looking for the cheapest plan. I am always surprised, because I have noticed that health problems tend to manifest as seniors move into their 60s, 70s and beyond.

    However, a lot of progress has been made in the healthcare field. As we age, some body parts may show patterns of wear and tear and may need replacement. Other parts may be worn, but not excessively, and just need a tweak here and there for continued performance. With good healthcare, many serious conditions are resolved quickly and individuals with heart, back, knee, hip and joint issues may experience full restoration to health and good quality of life.

    In order to go the distance and perform optimally, you need to stay up to date with your preventive screenings. You may not be thrilled about getting your ears, nose and throat checked, blood draws, urine samples or that semi-annual dental cleaning — but just do it! Especially at 70, 80 and 90, your best quality of life may be just one medical exam away! So if you want to go the distance, keep good health insurance.

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

    During my 12-plus years in the Medicare health insurance field, I have talked to many people aging into Medicare. In our discussions, I am consistently told that they never get sick and take few drugs, so they are just looking for the cheapest plan. I am always surprised, because I have noticed that health problems…

  • Prevent Identify Theft

    Protect your identity and help prevent healthcare fraud by guarding your Medicare card like you would a credit card. Scammers are expanding their targets, especially kūpuna, and they can be very convincing. A fraudster recently contacted a Honolulu resident, stating the resident’s name and date of birth. The con artist then offered to replace the resident’s Medicare card if he would share his Social Security Number (SSN). Luckily, the resident did not cooperate with this scammer.

    As the new year unfolds, keep the following important reminders handy. Important steps to protect against identify theft that can lead to healthcare fraud include:

    ◆ Not sharing or confirming your Medicare or SSN with anyone who contacts you by telephone, email or in person, unless you have given them permission in advance. Unless you ask them to, Medicare will never contact you to ask for your Medicare number or other personal information or to send you a new card. Medicare already has your information.

    ◆ Do not let anyone borrow or pay to use your Medicare number.

    ◆ Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) to be sure you and Medicare are only being charged for actual items and services received.

    Hawai‘i leads the 50 states and D.C. in life expectancy, so scammers will continue to tighten their grip on older adults here. So if you get a call offering you a new Medicare card in exchange for your personal information, just hang up. Then report it to Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Hawaii, a  federal-funded program managed by the Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Executive Office on Aging (DOH-EOA).

    The 54 SMP chapters throughout the US and territories of Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands help beneficiaries, families and caregivers to prevent, detect and report healthcare fraud, errors and abuse through counseling, outreach and education, thanks to our trained volunteers. Since 1997, SMP has empowered and assisted people through its volunteer-based program — because we know it takes each of us, our entire state, to protect kūpuna.

    For more information on healthcare fraud prevention or how to help as a volunteer, contact SMP Hawaii using the information below.

    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.

    Protect your identity and help prevent healthcare fraud by guarding your Medicare card like you would a credit card. Scammers are expanding their targets, especially kūpuna, and they can be very convincing. A fraudster recently contacted a Honolulu resident, stating the resident’s name and date of birth. The con artist then offered to replace the…

  • Door Opens for Those With Disabilities

    There is nothing a grandparent gets greater satisfaction from than helping their mo‘opuna. This may be especially true if the grandchild has special needs. Their ongoing health and financial welfare is priority one.

    But for too long, people with disabilities could not save for the future out of fear of losing essential government benefits — the ones they depend upon each and every day.

    The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014 provided kūpuna with a way of preparing their grandchild for adulthood by giving people with disabilities, including those with Down Syndrome, hearing or vision loss, etc., the opportunity to save without losing benefits such as SSI and Medicaid. Those receiving  government benefits and their families now have a financial tool to put money aside for purchases to enhance their quality of life without jeopardizing benefits.

    Since Hawai‘i established its savings program (www.hawaiiablesavings.com), those with disabilities now have the opportunity to prepare and think in terms of their future — an option they did not have before. For as little as $25, grandparents and family members can open an account for their child or grandchild with eligible disabilities and contribute to their loved one’s ABLE account without affecting their benefits. They can finally save for qualified disability expenses, invest in a tax-free account and prepare for and invest in the future and keep the benefits needed every day. You can save and invest up to $16,000 a year for a wide range of eligible expenses, including health, wellness and prevention; housing; financial management; education; transportation; job training and support; assistive technology; and funeral and burial expenses.

    The account’s growth is tax free. Supplemental Security Income benefits won’t be affected as long as savings is below $100,000. Other benefits are not affected regardless of the amount saved.

    See the eligibility requirements at www.hawaiiablesavings. com/eligibility. For more information about the Hawai’i ABLE Savings Program, watch a webinar at www.hawaiiablesavings. com/resources or join one of the monthly presentations on the last Wednesday of each month.

    For more, contact Executive Administrator Daintry Bartoldus at the Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities (see below).

    HAWAI‘I ABLE SAVING PROGRAM
    Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities
    Princess Victoria Kamamalu Building
    1010 Richards St., Rm. 122, Honolulu, HI 96813
    808-586-8100 | Fax: 808-586-7543
    daintry.bartoldus@doh.hawaii.gov
    www.hawaiiablesavings.com
    The ABLE team is an independent sub-unit of the Hawai‘i Department of Health, who strive to improve the lives and rights of individuals with developmental  disabilities.

    There is nothing a grandparent gets greater satisfaction from than helping their mo‘opuna. This may be especially true if the grandchild has special needs. Their ongoing health and financial welfare is priority one. But for too long, people with disabilities could not save for the future out of fear of losing essential government benefits —…

  • Medicare Enrollment: Stop, Look & Listen

    It’s Medicare Annual Enrollment time again! So are you looking at a ton of information and videos online, and reviewing stacks of sales materials from insurance companies? Too much information can cause more questions than answers and more confusion than common sense.

    Medicare was offered in 1966 to provide security and peace of mind, not to cause you to lose your mind, patience or money. Making a hasty decision because you are overwhelmed or confused by all of the Medicare information floating around can lead to problems.

    So instead, stop, look and listen to what your current Medicare plan is saying. If it is reasonably successful or effective, there is no need to change or replace it. Just stick with the plan!

    But if you decide to make a change to your existing Medicare Advantage plan, prescription drug plan or Original Medicare Part A and Part B, you can do so from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

    The peace of mind that comes with understanding is priceless. So for more information, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov. Check with Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or medicare.gov to learn about Medicare premiums, late enrollment penalties and Medicare insurance options available in your county.

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

    It’s Medicare Annual Enrollment time again! So are you looking at a ton of information and videos online, and reviewing stacks of sales materials from insurance companies? Too much information can cause more questions than answers and more confusion than common sense.