Medical Center

Expansion Secured – Hawaii Island Lawmakers

Last month, Hawaii Island lawmakers announced a $50 million in capital improvement project funds have been appropriated in the state budget for Hilo Medical Center.

The funds will be used for the construction and equipment of the intensive care unit and the expansion of the medical-surgical unit.

Hilo Medical Center is the largest hospital on Hawaii Island and the designated Level III Trauma Center.

“This appropriation marks the culmination of several years of work to bring this effort to fruition, which began in 2020 when Hilo Medical Center first approached the

Hawaii Island Delegation regarding the need to accommodate the growing demand for services from the East Hawaii Community,” said Representative Mark Nakashima.

“The funding for this expansion at Hilo Medical Center will address the issues of expanded services and increased capacity that have been a problem recognized by our Hilo Represen- their Social Security benefits. This usually happens only if you have other substantial income in addition to your benefits. The portion of benefits that are taxable depends on your COMBINED INCOME* and filing status.

If you file as an individual;

1) you pay no tax on your benefits when your combined income is below $25,000,

2) you pay taxes on 50% of your benefits when your combined income is between $25,000 and $34,000,

3) you pay taxes on 85% of your benefits when your combined income is more than $34,000.

If you file as a joint return;

1) you pay no tax on your benefits when you and your spouse have a combined income below $32,000,

2) you pay taxes on 50% of your benefits when you and your spouse have a combined income between $32,000 and $44,000,

3) you pay taxes on 85% of your benefits when you and your spouse have a combined income of more than $44,000.

*COMBINED INCOME = Your adjusted gross income + Nontaxable interest + ½ of your Social Security benefits tatives,” said Representative Richard H.K. Onishi.

A and collect Social Security Benefits based on your husband’s work credits. If you have been married for over 10 years and remain unmarried after being divorced, you can apply for Social Security Benefits when you turn 62 and premium-free Medicare Part A when you turn 65.

Q: I am over 70 and it has been just over 5 years since I received permanent resident status. Now I am qualified to sign up for Medicare and I found that I must pay high monthly premiums because of the lack of Social Security working credits, but I cannot afford it. Should I still sign up for Medicare or can I keep my current individual plan that I got through the Health Insurance Marketplace?

A: If you are not eligible for premium-free Part A and are not enrolled in Medicare yet, you can keep your current individual Marketplace plan and premium tax credit benefits. However, if you choose to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B later, you will have to wait to sign up and you may have to pay late enrollment penalties.

The State Budget Bill (HB300 HD1 SD1) that covers the Hilo Medical Center expansion is just waiting to go to Governor Josh Green’s desk for signature. For more information on the bill, visit capitol.hawaii. gov/session/measure_indiv. aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=300&year=2023.

Q: I have been a legal permanent resident for over 15 years. My husband worked at a job during all those years. I did not work because he wanted me to stay at home and raise our three children. Last year my husband divorced me. My children are grown so he does not have to pay me anything. Am I eligible for Social Security or Medicare?

A: Yes, as a divorced spouse you are entitled to premium-free Medicare Part

Depending on your state’s income and asset limit, you may be eligible for Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which can help you pay Medicare part A/part B premiums. To be eligible for MSP, you must enroll in Medicare. Please check your eligibility with the Medicaid office in your state.

If you have additional questions regarding the above, or around the topics of Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act, or others, there are three ways you can reach us. Call our Senior Assistance Center at 1-800336-2772. Email us at askNAPCA@napca.org. Send a mail letter to NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 Third Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101.