Category: Programs & Services

  • 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.

  • 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…