Tag: Hawai‘i SHIP

  • Important Changes to Medicare July 1, 2013

    We’ve received several calls from individuals who have received letters from the Department of Health & Human Services in Baltimore Maryland titled An Important Message for People with Original Medicare. So questions were asked: Is this letter legitimate? Yes it is. Individuals with Original Medicare may receive two letters depending on the county where they…

  • How to Re-Enroll in Medicare

    As it may happen to some seniors, retirees or other individuals with Medicare, the decision to get off of any health insurance plan is a personal risk. And then deciding to get back on becomes another decision/challenge. Here, a personal friend contacted me asking what it would take to do such a thing. How to…

  • Medicare: Staying Healthy

    February is “Heart Healthy Month” (and for all of you sweethearts out there, don’t forget Valentine’s Day on February 14th). Taking care of your heart is very important and there are some easy things that each of us can do. Ask your physician what your “healthy weight” is and make an effort to eat lots…

  • Understanding Medicare & Medicaid

    Navigating the health care system can be challenging, but for more than 9 million people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, it can be especially difficult. Medicare and Medicaid have similar names but they are very different programs. People who are eligible for both — known as dual eligible — must understand the…

  • Don’t Fall Behind!

    It is that magical time of the year. The pumpkins are at the open markets, the air is a bit cooler and it’s time for your Medicare Check-Up. You don’t need to see your doctor for this checkup, just sit down and reflect back on the past year. Questions to ask yourself: Have my medical…

  • Medicare: What’s What and Who Pays For It?

    We at Sage PLUS Program/Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) often get calls on our hotline from individuals who are confused about “who pays for what,” especially when it comes to care facilities (nursing homes, care homes, assisted living facilities and foster family homes). Let’s take a look at each care facility option, and…

  • Hitting a Home Run with Medicare

    Seeing Coach Murakami on the cover made me think about how much Medicare and baseball have in common. Practice and being prepared for the big game is one way to hit a home run. It’s the same idea with Medicare. Innings (In Medicare they are called Enrollment Periods) Initial Enrollment Period is when you are…

  • What’s Special in 2012 with Medicare

    The holidays quickly came and went, along with December 7th, which is the end of Medicare’s annual enrollment period. Some folks missed their opportunity to add, change or drop their Medicare plan, and they want to know if they have any options now that the annual enrollment period is over. There are several opportunities to…

  • Getting the Most from Your Medicare

    Now is the time to get the most out of your Medicare. The best way to stay healthy is to live a healthy lifestyle. You can live a healthy lifestyle and prevent disease by exercising, eating well, keeping a healthy weight and not smoking. Medicare can help. Medicare pays for many preventive services to keep…