The Maui News

The Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program is offering resources to help kupuna prepare for Medicare’s annual open enrollment period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

During the enrollment period, Medicare beneficiaries can decide whether to keep their current plan or change to another one, while new Medicare beneficiaries can sign up for a plan.

The federal health insurance program helps pay for health care services for kupuna 65 years and older, as well as those with disabilities or end-stage renal disease.

Beneficiaries seeking help during the enrollment period can reach out to the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program, known as SHIP. Part of the state’s Executive Office on Aging, SHIP can offer assistance in safe, socially distanced venues, including phone consultations and virtual meetings. Events and resources include:

• SHIP’s first virtual open house from 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 7 to help people learn about the benefits of joining SHIP as a potential volunteer or partner. Register at zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAsfu-qqDsrH9af3zesGbuZzQu-AMop6lHC.

• “Project Grad 65” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 13. Presented by Hawaii SHIP and the Honolulu office of the Social Security Administration, the discussion is designed for individuals turning 65 and “graduating” into Medicare or for those recently enrolled in Medicare. Topics will include Social Security benefits and Medicare basis. Register at zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUkduqvpz0qHN0XCc2HPYFSRuw6V08K9kIV.

• Phone consultations, in which SHIP’s certified counselors will be available to review the current plans and health care needs of Medicare beneficiaries and provide updates to original Medicare (Parts A&B), Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) for 2022.

To make phone or Zoom counseling appointments, visit hawaiiship.org or call the help line at (808) 586-7299 or toll-free at (888) 875-9229. The prerecorded message asks callers to leave their name, phone number, email address, ZIP code, a brief message about their questions and the days and times they prefer to be called. A Medicare counselor will contact those who have made an appointment within two to five business days.