The Hawaii SHIP office recently received a call from a woman who left the message, “I looked in the mirror this morning and this young 50 year old was looking back at me. Then my high school classmate called and asked if I had enrolled in Medicare yet? I realized I will be 65 this year, how the time has flown by.”
Our caller wasn’t sure where to start and these were some of her questions, along with our answers that you may find helpful.
How do I sign up for Medicare?
If you are currently receiving a benefit (check) from the Social Security Administration then you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A & Part B. Otherwise, you will need to enroll at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly.
Can I sign up at anytime?
Medicare has several enrollment periods. But be aware. If you miss enrolling when you are first eligible, you may not be able to enroll when you need the coverage and you could face a penalty.
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This is the first enrollment period and it has a seven-month window around the month of eligibility (which for most is when they turn 65 years old).
- General Enrollment Period (GEP). This is for those who did not sign up for Part B (or Part A if it includes a premium). The GEP annually is from Jan. 1 – Mar. 31. Coverage begins July 1.
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). This is the next regular enrollment period which is also called Open Enrollment. This is each year from October 15 — December 7 with the change in coverage taking affect January 1.
There are also Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs), which are due to special circumstances and the enrollment period will depend on what the special circumstance is.
What does Medicare cover?
Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, home health services (on a medically necessary basis), hospice care and blood.
Part B covers physician services, labs and x-rays, durable medical equipment and preventive services.
Part C plans are also called Medicare Advantage Plans (managed care). These plans contract with Medicare to provide all your Part A & Part B services and can include additional benefits.
Part D is prescription drug coverage and is sold by private companies that contract with Medicare or by the Medicare Part C companies. Medicare Part B and Part D have different special enrollment periods so make sure you ask about both.
Enrolling in Medicare is a very timely issue. The state-certified Hawaii SHIP volunteers can assist you in navigating the Medicare maze.
Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program):
1-888-875-9229 | help@hawaiiship.org
www.hawaiiship.org
For 2014 Medicare updates: www.medicare.gov
A physical therapist specializing in cardiac rehab will perform an evaluation and develop a plan consisting of patient education on diet, relaxation techniques, aerobic training and strengthening exercises. The therapist will closely monitor vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rhythm and rate, and oxygen saturation levels. The therapist should also prescribe a safe exercise program, with appropriate duration, frequency and intensity. While everyone can exercise at a gym or at their home after a cardiac event, a rehab program offers a safe and effective en- vironment to improve your heart health with the supervision of a medical professional.
While I was growing up, we almost always had a dog (or two) in the house, and they always became treasured family members. You may have had the same experience, and you would not be alone if you have pets today that you consider to be your “children.” I know people who claim to prefer their kitties over their kiddies.
Section 560:7-501 of the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes specifically allows you to create trusts “for the care of one or more domestic or pet animals.” You can even designate a human watchdog who will make sure that your intentions are carried out. In theory, there would be nothing to prevent your terrier’s trustee from making a quick stop at the local dog pound and then pocketing the trust assets that you had intended to be used for your poor pet. However, your 
watchdog could whisk the trustee in front of a judge and make sure the trustee is held accountable for failing to honor your wishes. Of course, if you choose the right caretaker in the first place, none of this will be an issue.
But what if your two-legged children get jealous of your basset hound’s bequest? Is there a way for them to attack your trust? The short answer is “yes,” and if they can convince a judge that you have left “too much” for your toucan, the judge can reduce the amount in the trust to whatever amount is “enough” to provide adequately for the care, maintenance, health and appearance of the designated critter. In any event, if there is anything left when your pooch passes the pearly gates, you get to say where it goes.
Some pets have very long lifespans, such as certain birds, reptiles and fish. Your pet trust will not be subject to the rules that limit the lifespans of conventional trusts, so you can be sure that, as long as the trust assets hold out, there will be provisions for your pet.
“Simply put,” entertainment writer Wayne Harada notes in the book’s foreword, “the SOS wouldn’t have been able to succeed without Frances, and vice versa.” In the book, Kirk recounts their journey through many shining moments, including performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, headlining for more than 40 years at the Outrigger Waikiki hotel and a series of regional hit records. It is a legacy that lives on, as the Society of Seven continues to perform today.
In a large pan with a lid, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, and brown well on both sides. Remove chicken from the pan. Drain off some of the oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
