Hawaii SHIP

09/09/2025

Scammers are targeting Medicare beneficiaries but you have a powerful tool to fight back!

The SMP Medicare Tracker App (FREE on Apple & Android) helps you:
✔️ Spot scams & fraud
✔️ Track your care & billing
✔️ Report suspicious activity fast
✔️ Stay updated with scam alerts & news

Protect yourself & your loved ones.
Download now: smpresource.org/app

Learn More: https://www.hawaiiship.org/blog/download-the-smp-medicare-tracker-app-stop-scams-before-they-start/

The SMP Medicare Tracker app helps seniors prevent Medicare fraud. Track care, get scam alerts, and report fraud. Free for iPhone & Android.

04/01/2025

Understanding Your Medicare Statements – Upcoming Presentation! 🔍
Are you feeling confused or overwhelmed by your Medicare statements? You're not alone!
Join us for an upcoming Medicare Notices Presentation where we'll break down everything you need to know about key Medicare documents to help you stay informed and make the most of your benefits.

📅 Date: April 14, 2025 (Monday)
🕒 Time: 10 am – 11 am
🔗 Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Dlih9BW1TtC05OIbilkOCw

In this detailed session, we’ll cover:
📄 Advance Beneficiary Notices (ABN) – Understand what to do when you’re told that Medicare might not cover a service.
📄 Medicare Summary Notices (MSN) – Learn how to read your MSN and what it means for your medical bills.
📄 Explanation of Benefits (EOB) – Get clear on how your health care costs are broken down and what your EOB tells you.
📄 Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) – Discover what changes to your Medicare plan may be coming and how it affects your coverage.
📄 Evidence of Coverage (EOC) – Learn the ins and outs of your plan’s coverage and benefits.

Space is limited, so don’t wait! Secure your spot today and take control of your Medicare benefits with ease.
We look forward to seeing you there! 👋

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Hawaii SHIP Medicare Notices Presentation . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

02/22/2025

Join Us for the Hawaii SHIP Preventive Services Presentation!

Are you ready to learn how preventive health services can benefit you (early detection - cost savings - improved quality of life) ?

Event Details:
🗓 Date: March 5, 2025 (Wednesday)
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (HST)
💻 Platform: Zoom
🔗 Zoom Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tTC86oTdRqOtypBe5nxIlA #/registration

What to Expect:
- Overview of Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) and its services
- Brief overview of Medicare
- Medicare covered preventive health services
- Tips and resources to maximize your health coverage
This is a free event, and we encourage anyone who wants to stay on top of their health to attend!

Don't miss out – register today and take control of your health!

01/07/2025

If you missed your chance to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B when you first became eligible, don’t worry – you still have an opportunity to sign up! The General Enrollment Period (GEP) has already started!

The GEP occurs every year from January 1 to March 31, and is available for individuals who:

- Chose not to enroll in Medicare Part A when they first became eligible.
- Missed enrolling in Medicare Part B when they first became eligible
- Didn’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that would have allowed them to sign up after their initial eligibility.

If any of these situations apply to you, you have another shot to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B during this period. Your coverage will start the first day of the month after you sign up. However, keep in mind that you may face a lifetime late enrollment penalty which will be an additional cost to your monthly premiums.

Need more information or help figuring out if you qualify? You can reach out to Hawaii SHIP at 808-586-7299 or visit our website at hawaiship.org

Don’t miss this important opportunity to secure your Medicare coverage!

https://www.hawaiiship.org/blog/understanding-medicares-general-enrollment-period/

Missed enrolling in Medicare Part A or B? The General Enrollment Period runs Jan 1–Mar 31, giving you another chance to secure coverage. Act now to avoid penalties.

11/06/2024

Calling all Hawaii Island residents,
Hawaii SHIP is partnering with the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy to provide FREE Medicare counseling/plan comparisons and health screenings on November 16th (Saturday) from 10 AM-2 PM at Longs/CVS: 111 Puainako St, Hilo, HI 96720 (Prince Kuhio Plaza).

Join ALOHA Project and DKICP student pharmacists for a free Medicare consultation and health screening event on November 16, 2024, at Longs Drugs, Hilo, HI.

08/19/2024

https://www.hawaiiship.org/blog/inflation-reduction-act-10-part-d-medications-newly-negotiated-prices/

In August 2022,

President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law lowering prescription drug costs for those on Medicare.

The linked article provides the 10 selected Part D medications and their newly negotiated prices effective January 1,2026.

Learn about the new Medicare Part D drug prices effective January 1, 2026, following the Inflation Reduction Act. See the timeline for negotiation and price updates.

08/07/2024

In August 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act improving prescription drug benefits and costs.

Starting in 2025, Part D (standalone prescription drug plans) and Medicare Advantage/ Part C plans with prescription drug coverage will offer members an option to pay prescription drug out-of-pocket costs in monthly installments/payments instead of all at once.

This is a free optional program. Members will pay no more or less than they normally would (it only changes how members pay not the amount they pay).

Members will pay $0 to the pharmacy for their medications. The insurance plan will pay the pharmacy for the entire cost of the medication. The plan will then bill members for their share of the cost each calendar month.

This program applies to all types of pharmacies (retail, mail order, specialty, etc.) Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage/Part C plans will start informing members about the Prescription Payment Plan during Open Enrollment (between October 15-December 7). You can enroll into this program by contacting your plan.

To Learn More:

Starting in 2025, pay Medicare Part D/Part C prescription drug costs in monthly installments. Learn about the Inflation Reduction Act's benefits.

07/29/2024

Hawaii SHIP’s Project Grad 65 offers essential Medicare and Social Security information for newcomers. This virtual presentation, scheduled for August 19th, features Social Security representatives from 10 AM to 11 AM and Hawaii SHIP from 11 AM to 12 PM, covering Medicare Basics. Register via hawaiiship.org

06/28/2024

Elder abuse is a critical issue that affects our older adult population. Alarmingly, at least 10% of adults aged 60 and older will experience some form of elder abuse. To combat this pressing problem and raise public awareness, the Executive Office on Aging is partnering with KHON2 for an extensive elder abuse awareness media campaign.

Learn more:

Hawaii DOH partners with KHON2 to launch an elder abuse awareness campaign. Learn how to prevent elder abuse in our community.

05/30/2024

Hawaii SHIP’s Project Grad 65 offers essential Medicare and Social Security information for newcomers. This virtual presentation, scheduled for June 3rd, features Social Security representatives from 10 AM to 11 AM and Hawaii SHIP from 11 AM to 12 PM, covering Medicare Basics. Register via hawaiiship.org.

https://www.khon2.com/living-808/hawaii-ships-project-grad-65-essential-information-for-medicare-newcomers/

Hawaii SHIP, or the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, is a federally funded initiative dedicated to providing free, local, and unbiased Medicare counseling and education to individuals. Wi…

02/06/2024

Hawaii’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), as featured on Living808, is a vital resource in healthcare, offering essential Medicare support.

Spearheaded by Volunteer Coordinator Candace Nakamoto, this federally funded program focuses on Medicare education and community welfare. With over 100 volunteers, SHIP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling, benefiting over 9,000 beneficiaries annually.

Volunteering with Hawaii SHIP offers skill-building, social connections, and insights into healthcare issues. As individuals approach Medicare eligibility, SHIP emphasizes early preparation.

Discover Hawaii SHIP's role in Medicare support and volunteer opportunities as highlighted on Living808. Learn how SHIP assists over 9,000 beneficiaries yearly.