Category: Programs & Services

It’s Medicare Season Again!

You know what that means! For millions of Medicare beneficiaries with a Medicare Advantage prescription drug or stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 is the annual open enrollment period. It’s an opportunity for current enrollees to look at the following year’s Medicare offerings and decide whether to keep their existing plan or select a new one. If no changes are needed, you do not need to do anything. If you do make a change, your new selection will become effective on Jan. 1, 2023.

How many beneficiaries change plans each year? The 2019 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey holds the answers. In 2019, 68 percent of all Medicare Advantage plan beneficiaries reported they did not compare their existing plan to other plan choices in the prior open enrollment season.

This may be a missed opportunity to lower costs and secure more benefits. For example, your existing plan could add or remove certain benefits or raise plan costs. A new offering may offer new features at lower costs.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recommends that beneficiaries review and compare Medicare plans annually. During Medicare open enrollment, you have the opportunity to follow CMS guidance and compare plans. If you are happy with your current plan, just enjoy your Medicare years.

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

You know what that means! For millions of Medicare beneficiaries with a Medicare Advantage prescription drug or stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 is the annual open enrollment period.
Newborns & Social Security Numbers

Getting a newborn a Social Security (SS) number is important for his or her future. Feel free to share this time-saving information with prospective parents.

If the child is born in a hospital, the easiest way to apply for a SS number is right at the hospital. When information for the child’s birth certificate is given at the hospital, parents will also be asked whether they want to apply for a SS number for the child. If the parents say “yes,” they will be asked to provide both of their SS numbers, if possible. Even if the parents don’t know both of their SS numbers, they can still apply for a number for their child.

There are many reasons why a child should have a SS number. For example, a SS number is needed to claim a child as a dependent on income tax returns. A child may also need a number if parents plan to do the following for the child:

• Open a bank account.
• Buy savings bonds.
• Get medical coverage.
• Apply for government services.

Read Social Security Numbers for Children at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10023.pdf.

Applying at the hospital will allow parents to focus on the new family member.

800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) M–F, 8 am–5 pm
SSA Office Locator: www.socialsecurity.gov
Advance Designation FAQ: www.ssa.gov/faq (Other Topics)
Representative Payees Information: blog.ssa.gov

Getting a newborn a Social Security (SS) number is important for his or her future. Feel free to share this time-saving information with prospective parents. If the child is born in a hospital, the easiest way to apply for a SS number is right at the hospital.
Help Protect Our Kūpuna Against Crime

Every year, Hawai‘i residents are swindled out of money through many forms of crime. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that 2.4 billion robocalls made every month. Over 3,500,000 older adults are swindled out of nearly $5 billion in personal savings each year. The average loss is $34,200-plus for every senior who falls victim to a scam. More than $17 million per year are lost to internet crimes (2021) — and cases are expected to rise by 10 percent this year. During the first two years of the pandemic, the US Office of the Inspector General received over 1,500 COVID-related complaints. In addition, Medicare loses $70 billion per year to fraudulent claims.

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Hawaii aims to mitigate those losses through the help of volunteers who educate and empower kūpuna and their ‘ohana before they become victims of healthcare fraud or another scam.

You can help protect our kūpuna by becoming a volunteer. You can choose to be a counselor, presenter, information distributor, fair exhibitor or provider of clerical support. Training is available and volunteers learn at their own pace.

Gaining satisfaction from helping others without ever leaving home is just one of the benefits of becoming an SMP volunteer. Becoming a volunteer also offers the opportunity to stay informed of latest scams, such as phony government agencies, fake tech support, family or friends imposters, online shopping gimmicks, romance scam artists… the list goes on. Volunteers can also sharpen their computer skills to become a tech savvy senior, and learn about Medicare and community resources while having fun and making new friends who also have an interest in championing a worthy cause.

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
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. *Sources: Star Advertiser, March 27, 2022; Consumer Affairs, Nov. 25, 2021; Comparitech, Jan. 11, 2022

Every year, Hawai‘i residents are swindled out of money through many forms of crime. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that 2.4 billion robocalls made every month. Over 3,500,000 older adults are swindled out of nearly $5 billion in personal savings each year. The average loss is $34,200-plus for every senior who falls victim to a…
Credit Unions: People Helping People

Those same members collectively own and control their credit unions. Every member gets an equal vote on the election of board of directors at their credit union, Regardless of their deposits. Like banks, credit unions operate for the benefit of their shareholders. But unlike banks, a credit union’s shareholders are the members and vice versa — they’re both members and owners.

Credit unions aren’t a new idea. The first one popped up in Germany in the late 1800s. The first American credit union opened in 1909. In 1934, the Federal Credit Union Act was signed into law, authorizing credit unions in every state. To this day, Oct. 20 is celebrated as International Credit Union Day. But despite the worldwide appeal, credit unions are decidedly local institutions.

Most credit unions operate in a specific geographic area and that’s the same source for their members. For example, Gather Federal Credit Union operates branches across Kaua‘i. It offers membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or operates a business on Kaua‘i or Ni‘ihau. Members’ immediate families are all eligible as well. In that sense, credit unions work to strengthen communities by helping to build financial security for all members.

Credit unions are nonprofit organizations and members benefit from similar protections as banks. Credit unions generally offer products and services similar to what banks offer, as well, including checking and savings accounts, loans, ATMs, debit and credit cards, IRA shares and certificates, money transfers and online banking. Some credit unions may also offer financial planning and counseling services. Members’ credit union accounts are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration up to $250,000. Members also typically benefit from lower fees, competitive loan rates, higher dividend rates on deposit accounts and a more personal approach to member service.

There’s lots more to learn about credit unions. A great place to start is at www.MyCreditUnion.gov.

But, more than anything, the most important thing to remember about credit unions is their shared philosophy: “People Helping People.”

GATHER FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Kukui Grove, Līhu‘e, Kapa‘a, Kōloa, ‘Ele‘ele, Waimea
808-245-6791 | info@gatherfcu.org
www.gatherfcu.org

There’s an old saying about money that sums up why credit unions have flourished: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Credit unions are unique in the world of finance, and for lots of people, that’s exactly why they choose to become members.
SSA Survivors Benefits

We are here for surviving family members when a worker dies. In the event of your death, certain members of your family may be eligible for survivors’ benefits. These include widows and widowers, divorced widows and widowers, children and dependent parents.

The amount of benefits your survivors receive depends on your lifetime earnings. The higher your earnings, the higher their benefits. That’s why it’s important to make sure you {Play}r earnings history is correct in our records. That starts with creating a my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. A my Social Security account is secure and gives you immediate access to your earnings records, Social Security benefit estimates and a printable Social Security Statement. The statement will let you see an estimate of the survivors benefits we could pay your family.

Visit our “Benefits Planner for Survivors” at www.ssa.gov/planners/ survivors to help you better understand Social Security protections for you and your family as you plan for your financial future.

Please visit www.ssa.gov or read “Survivors Benefits” at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10084.pdf for more information. You can also help us spread the word by sharing this information with your family and friends.

800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) M–F, 8 am–5 pm
SSA Office Locator: www.socialsecurity.gov
Advance Designation FAQ: www.ssa.gov/faq (Other Topics)
Representative Payees Information: blog.ssa.gov

We are here for surviving family members when a worker dies. In the event of your death, certain members of your family may be eligible for survivors’ benefits. These include widows and widowers, divorced widows and widowers, children and dependent parents.
Hawaiian Humane Society

The mission of the Hawaiian Humane Society (HHS) is to promote the human-animal bond and the humane treatment of all animals. Listed below are some of the ways you can assist or benefit from the services that HHS offers.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES
(See below for contact information)

Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program: If you are 55 or older and adopt a dog or cat that is at least 6 years old, the adoption fee is waived. “Senior pets make wonderful pets,” says Jessica Tronoski, communications manager for the HHS. “They already usually know the basic commands like ‘sit and stay.’ They’re typically potty trained and have lost their kitten and puppy ways, so it’s a little bit more manageable.” All pets available for adoption receive a full medical examination and the appropriate vaccinations, de-wormer, flea and tick treatment, sterilization surgery and a microchip. The HHS also partners with many local veterinary clinics that offer your first visit free of charge.

(L–R, front row) Anna Neubauer, President & CEO; Ginny Tiu, Board Member; Kailani Romero, Community Spay/Neuter Center Coordinator (back row) Anne Mukai, Education Programs Coordinator; Thomas Hanns, Communications Coordinator; Karen Scharff, Cat Enrichment Volunteer; Stephanie Kendrick, Director of Community Engagement; Tatiana Reyna-Gomez, Veterinary Services Manager

Alternatives to Pet Surrender: For those who need to downsize or move, the HHS maintains a list of pet-friendly housing available on O‘ahu. If your need is temporary, there is a similar list of pet boarding and sitting resources. The entries on both lists are voluntarily supplied by providers; the HHS does not audit the locations, but keeps the lists up to date (see “Resources” dropdown).

Volunteering: One of the volunteer activities that seniors find particularly rewarding is dog walking. “It provides companionship and enrichment to the animal and exercise for volunteers out in the fresh air,” says Jessica. There are different levels of dog walking. Another activity is enrichment, which involves playing with cats or other small animals. Doing laundry is another opportunity, but the biggest need is for Pet Food Bank volunteers. Pet Food Bank: If you’re unable to volunteer, you can donate food or money instead. The Pet Food Bank runs solely on donations and volunteer power — from the community for the community,” Jessica explains. “Any donations we receive are turned around almost within the day and given out to community members in need.” The food bank is run by the HHS’s Pet Kōkua program, which also accepts donations of collars, cat litter and reusable bags.

HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY
2700 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, HI 96826
808-356-2200 | info@hawaiianhumane.org
www.hawaiianhumane.org
Adoption Program:
808-356-2218 | www.hawaiianhumane.org/adoptions
Volunteering:
808-356-2216 | www.hawaiianhumane.org/volunteer
Pet Food Bank:
808-356-2222 | www.hawaiianhumane.org/pet-kokua

The mission of the Hawaiian Humane Society (HHS) is to promote the human-animal bond and the humane treatment of all animals. Listed below are some of the ways you can assist or benefit from the services that HHS offers. PROGRAMS & SERVICES (See below for contact information) Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program: If you are…
Good News for Seniors Taking Insulin

If you or someone you know is a Medicare beneficiary and is also prescribed insulin, the new Insulin Senior Savings Program is worth looking into.

This program is offered through certain Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans and also through stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. It is designed to cap the price of many insulins at just $35 a month for a 30-day supply for every month of 2022.

The purpose is to encourage members to stay on their medicine all year by offering a much lower, more consistent cost. Basically, it means the price of the insulin will not be affected by the deductible stage, the initial coverage stage or the coverage gap, also known as the “donut hole.”

Medicare estimates that the Insulin Senior Savings Program will save members close to $500 a year. The surprising thing is that this benefit is an included part of quite a few Medicare Advantage Plans offered in Hawai‘i this year, even some with $0 monthly premiums.

For more information, beneficiaries should reach out to a Medicare specialist.

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

If you or someone you know is a Medicare beneficiary and is also prescribed insulin, the new Insulin Senior Savings Program is worth looking into.
Social Security FAQs

You may need Social Security when you least expect it and we’re here to make sure our information is always accessible to you.

Whether you’re planning for your retirement years in advance or thinking about applying today, you probably have questions.

Our Frequently Asked Questions at www.faq.ssa.gov has answers to your questions about our programs and services. We feature our most-asked questions at the top of the page to quickly help you find answers to the most common questions, such as:

• What should I do if I receive a call from someone claiming to be a Social Security employee?
• How do I change or correct my name on my Social Security number card?
• How can I get a Social Security Statement that shows a record of my earnings and an estimate of my future benefits?
• How do I apply for a new or replacement Social Security card?

You can also browse by topics, such as disability, Social Security payments, retirement and Medicare. We also have a publications library at www.ssa.gov/pubs with information on many topics. And we provide each publication in text, audio and downloadable formats.

800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) M–F, 8:30am–3:30pm
SSA Office Locator: www.socialsecurity.gov
Advance Designation FAQ: www.ssa.gov/faq (Other Topics)
Representative Payees Information: blog.ssa.gov

You may need Social Security when you least expect it and we’re here to make sure our information is always accessible to you. Whether you’re planning for your retirement years in advance or thinking about applying today, you probably have questions.
Continue Vigilance While Protecting Kūpuna

Kūpuna are the most vulnerable to online scams due to social isolation during the pandemic. We must stay vigilant, as scammers use more sophisticated ways to steal your personal identity, shame you of your self-worth and steal your life’s legacy. Here are some important tips to avoid becoming a victim:

PREVENTION

• Medicare will never call you needing confirmation to pay for medical products or services. Just hang up and call SMP Hawaii.
• Scammers send urgent emails or text messages meant to make you panic: “Act now! Click here!” Stop and look at the fine print. Take time to think clearly before doing anything.
• Never click on a link in a text or email, even it’s from someone you know. Scammers can “spoof” or disguise their calls, texts or emails as being from a known and trusted source.

DETECTION

Find billing errors and abuse by diligently checking to verify your medical statements and bills:
• Keep accurate records of doctor visits, lab tests and surgical equipment, etc.
• Organize and file copies of medical bills received and payments made.
• Review your Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits from your health plan for accuracy, and look for suspicious charges for services that you did not receive.

REPORTING

What to do if you mistakenly provided your Medicare number or other personal health information to a possible scammer, including:

• a caller offering a Medicare-approved knee brace, (genetic) testing or other service.
• at a fair booth or stand as an enticement to receive free services or a special gift.
• in response to an ad offering money and/or exclusive benefits.

Call Senior Medicare Patrol Hawaii or visit www.smphawaii.org to report the instances above or to schedule counseling, request a group presentation, or to volunteer to stay informed and safe. In June, SMP Hawaii will celebrate 25 years of helping kūpuna, their families and caregivers.

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 | www.smphawaii.org
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.

Kūpuna are the most vulnerable to online scams due to social isolation during the pandemic. We must stay vigilant, as scammers use more sophisticated ways to steal your personal identity, shame you of your self-worth and steal your life’s legacy. Here are some important tips to avoid becoming a victim…
Paving the Way for a Healthy, Secure Future

One year ago, I made a lifestyle change. I went from a vegan diet to pescatarian diet. After adding fish over a year ago, I lost a few pounds. Then my wife and I decided to go on the keto diet together. I also started an exercise program. Seniors must exercise to stay physically and mentally fit to help prevent Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Seniors also need to prepare financially. In the past, retirement money didn’t have to last that long. In 1965, men had a life expectancy of 68 years and women lived an average of 71 years. Men lived only three years in retirement; women, six years. Healthier lifestyles and advancements in science and medicine have now enabled retirees to live well into their 90s. So now our money has to last 20 to 30 years after we stop working.

Social Security, regular investments (stocks, mutual funds) and retirement plans (401(k)s, IRAs) must take into account this extended life span.

I will be 73 years old soon. My father is 97 years old. My mother passed away four years ago at age 93. I have three children, 10 grandchildren and 15 greatgrandchildren. I would like to spend many more years with them. I am ready.

Are you ready? Look at your options. Don’t spend your golden years in illness and poverty. Make plans now for a healthy, secure future.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS INSURANCE INC.
1311 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 504, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-792-5194 | emotosue@fbihi.com
www.fbihi.com | FB: Financial Benefits Insurance

One year ago, I made a lifestyle change. I went from a vegan diet to pescatarian diet. After adding fish over a year ago, I lost a few pounds. Then my wife and I decided to go on the keto diet together. I also started an exercise program. Seniors must exercise to stay physically and…
SSA Supports Small Businesses

Running a small business is often a 24/7 endeavor. Managing employees, inventory, scheduling, services and marketing can be challenging for small business owners — even in normal times. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been testing all of us, it has been especially challenging for small business owners.

If you’re a small business owner or you work for one, the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) online suite of services can help make life easier. Our business services allow you to file W-2/W-2Cs online and verify your employees’ names and SS numbers against our records.

Our online services at www.ssa.gov/employer will save you valuable time when you need information on filing electronic W-2s and verifying Social Security numbers. Small business owners can also take advantage of the SSA’s Business Services Online at www.ssa.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm.

Small business owners must register to use this free service, which also offers fast and secure online W-2 filing options to Certified Public Accountants, enrolled agents and individuals who process W-2s and W-2Cs.

For more information about electronic wage reporting, visit www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10034.pdf to download and read our publication.

800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) M–F, 8:30am–3:30pm
SSA Office Locator: www.socialsecurity.gov
Advance Designation FAQ: www.ssa.gov/faq (Other Topics)
Representative Payees Information: blog.ssa.gov

Running a small business is often a 24/7 endeavor. Managing employees, inventory, scheduling, services and marketing can be challenging for small business owners — even in normal times. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been testing all of us, it has been especially challenging for small business owners.
Medicare Payment Help is Available

Having trouble paying for Medicare or other health costs? Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) are available to help older adults pay their monthly Part A/B premiums, annual deductibles, or copayments for visits and services. MSPs are administered by the Hawaii Med-Quest Division.

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program pays Medicare Parts A and B premiums, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program pays Part B premiums.
• Qualifying Individual (QI) Program pays Part B premiums.
• Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program pays Part A premiums for working beneficiaries under 65 with disabilities. QMB, SLMB and QI Programs also eliminate lifetime penalties if you enrolled late for Medicare.
• Extra Help is a low-income subsidy program that helps 1) pay for prescription drug (Part D) premiums/deductibles, 2) lowers copays for covered medications and 3) provides full coverage during the Coverage Gap. Extra Help is administered by the Social Security Administration.

Contact Hawaii SHIP for an appointment.

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
www.hawaiiship.org

Having trouble paying for Medicare or other health costs? Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) are available to help older adults pay their monthly Part A/B premiums, annual deductibles, or copayments for visits and services. MSPs are administered by the Hawaii Med-Quest Division.