Repair schools while kids are at home
Now that schools are out It’s a good time to think about doing the maintenance and infrastructure on our school and public buildings (painting, repairs, etc.) . But first we need lots of testing available and way more people tested so any new cases can be more accurately tracked and recorded and we don’t increase the spread by foolishly rushing into anything. New safety guidelines for the workers can then be implemented and maybe things can begin to move forward.
In the meantime stay home and stay safe.
Wayne Zebzda, Koloa
What to do with Medicare
I am an insurance agent who helps people with Medicare. In the past week, I’ve received calls from dozens of people who are over 65, laid off and need to begin their Medicare. Since the local Social Security Office is officially closed and the 800 number is not giving real workarounds, I want to share the process for anyone who need to do this.
When you don’t get Medicare when first eligible, usually at age 65, there are two forms that must be filled out. One is 40B and one is L564. You can find them both online by Googling “CMS 40B” and “CMS L564.”) The employee losing workplace insurance completes the 40B. Someone from the employer who laid the person off must complete the L564 indicating that they person has had employer-based insurance until recently.
The next two steps are the trickiest: Though they are not published, all local Social Security offices have a direct phone number and fax number. One must track those numbers down. I know them for Kauai. The forms need to be faxed to one’s local Social Security Office. Afterwards, the applicant needs to call the office and make sure they’re received and will logged into the system so their Medicare Part B starts, usually the first day of the next month. Because, though the office is closed, at least one person is supposed to be working at each one.
Once one has Medicare Part B in place, they can choose what they need, usually a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement and separate drug plan. If the person needs help making those choices, they can contact https://planadvisorshawaii.com/ and get help from a local agent.
Also, if one is low income and asset, the state through Medquest can sometimes pay for one’s Medicare premiums and cost shares. If the person is working with an agent, they can query if they think they’ll qualify. Generally, it is best to work with an agent in your area as all Medicare plans are county and zip code based.
I hope this helps the people who need it. If anyone has other questions, they can contact me directly. My information is quite available online and on Facebook.
Sincerely,
Jason Blake, Lihue
Insurance Agent Specializing in Medicare
Are there still only 2 companies that offer Medicare supplemental coverage to Kauai residents: HMSA and Humana? Any idea if Kaiser will offer supplemental care here anytime soon?
Try State Farm too. I have theirs.
AARP/United Health
Regarding Supplemental Social Security coverage, there are more than two, as well as two different SS plans: one referred to as supplemental, and the other, GAP insurance. GAP insurance does give you the ability to cover ALL Social Security charges, however, the premiums are usually more expensive, and unlike “supplemental” coverage, GAP coverage can be rejected ( except for the first year of SS coverage). Just make certain you are asking for a quote for the CORRECT coverage. The underwriter cannot refuse your coverage for the first YEAR of SS: after that, they may, so keep that in mind. Typically, GAP coverage is better coverage, as long as you are looking for the BEST coverage: a plan that will not leave you with 20% or more “bill” after GAP coverage. Remember, SS is an 80/20 plan: SS covers what they do up to 80%, and under a regular supplemental plan, 20% is yours. For GAP plans, many will even cover whatever your balance owed to SS is, however, CHECK the GAP plans carefully. For non GAP(regular) supplemental plans, it works a bit differently. Check and choose carefully, especially for GAP Plans outside the first year of SS coverage. United has the most GAP ( as well as regular SS supplemental plans), so check with them first, and GAP coverage as well! Its a choice: GAP or Supplemental . Be clear on what you are shopping for.
Along the guidelines of repairing schools, during this time that everyone should be staying indoors as much as possible and the roads have less drivers on it, why doesn’t the county take advantage and repair our roads? I know this pandemic is much more of a concern but seriously this is something that can be done at social distancing and will still be an existing problem that was never dealt with from long ago!