Tag: Medicare

  • Medicare? Are You There Yet?

    Remember the familiar line chanted by children being driven somewhere, “Are we there yet?” As I visit companies to conduct Medicare preretiree seminars, I hear employees nearing the age of Medicare eligibility, quietly asking each other something similar —“Are You There Yet?” Most can hardly believe they are reaching their 65th birthday and will soon…

  • 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…

  • What’s So Good About Growing Older?

    Every week I talk to people who are newly eligible for Medicare insurance or are already enrolled in a plan. While some are happy to be at the age to get those senior discounts at retail shops and restaurants, some, not so much. They would rather trade those discounts for the yonder days of platform…

  • 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…

  • Benefits Enrollment Center: Can Help You

    The Elderly Affairs Division (EAD) was recently awarded one of 20 Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) Grants nationwide from the National Council on Aging. The BEC grant supports the development of person-centered, community-based system to provide outreach, and to help seniors and younger adults with disabilities with limited means to enroll in public and private programs…

  • AARP: Voter Resources

    Straight Talk: Social Security & Medicare How long will Hawai‘i residents be able to work as they age? How much should seniors pay for health care? What will future retirees need, and what as a nation can we afford? These are some of the issues at stake this election season as the future of Social…

  • 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…

  • The Flu & You

    The flu shot is a vaccine that helps to prevent the flu, an illness caused by infection with the influenza virus. Viruses are very small germs that cause illnesses. Flu is a contagious disease, with symptoms such as fever, cough, headaches, body aches, sore throat and fatigue. For older people, especially those who have chronic…