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Commonly Asked Questions

Table of Contents

Answers to our most commonly asked questions:

What does your agency do?

Each county in the State of Hawai’i has an Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Each AAA is responsible for planning, developing, and administration of services to older adults and family caregivers residing in their distinct geographic planning and service area.

The Elderly Affairs Division (EAD) has been the designated AAA for Oʻahu since 1973. Additionally, as the sponsoring agency for Honolulu’s Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) program, the EAD provides objective and unbiased information on long-term service and support (LTSS) options and links individuals to needed services through appropriate referrals outside of EAD if needed.

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What type of help does your agency provide?

The Elderly Affairs Division (EAD) coordinates advocacy efforts on behalf of older adults, encourages partnerships to improve and expand services, and contracts with agencies to provide support services to older adults and caregivers.

The EAD also has an Information and Assistance Branch that offers the following:

  • A Kūpuna Helpline that provides telephone consultation, information, and referral to services
  • Assessments of frail and homebound elders for Kūpuna Care services
  • Community engagement through presentations, event exhibits, publications, and our website

What type of services do you offer to older adults?

The types of services contracted include:

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How does someone qualify for your services?

The following qualifications apply:

  • For Title III federally-funded programs:
    • 60 years and older
    • Should not be covered by a comparable government or private service
    • Should not be residing in an institution
  • For Kupuna Care services:
    • 60 years and older
    • Should not be covered by a comparable government or private service
    • Should not be residing in an institution
    • Have a cognitive impairment OR unable to perform at least two Activities of Daily Living (ADL) or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)
  • For Home Delivered Meals:
    • 60 years and older
    • Should not be covered by a comparable government or private service
    • Should not be residing in an institution
    • Have a cognitive impairment OR unable to perform two ADLs and unable to leave the home due to illness, disability or frailty
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How do I apply for Kupuna Care services?

To apply for Kūpuna Care services, contact the Elderly Affairs Division (EAD) at 808-768-7700. A staff member will speak with you to determine if you meet the basic criteria for services.

If you appear to be eligible, an in-home assessment will be scheduled to further evaluate your needs and confirm eligibility. This assessment helps identify what types of services may be most appropriate to support your well-being and independence.

How much do your services cost?

The Elderly Affairs Division (EAD) receives federal, state and county funds to pay for contracted services. As a recipient of our services, there are no out-of-pocket costs for you.

Does your program look at income and/or assets?

Yes. Although there is no income or asset criteria for our services, the Elderly Affairs Division (EAD) collects your financial information to determine prioritization where there are waitlists for services.

How long are your waitlists for services?

The Elderly Affairs Division prioritizes services for older adults who are among the most frail, those with little or no support from family or friends and who have limited financial resources.

Because priority is given to those who meet this target population, a person’s position on the waitlist is based on a level of need rather than the order in which they were added. In other words, it is not a first-come, first-served system.

As a result, it can be difficult to estimate how long someone may remain on the waitlist, since placement depends on the urgency of their needs in comparison to others.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for those 65 and older, and some with disabilities. It does not cover all expenses, leaving beneficiaries responsible for deductibles, copayments, premiums, and uncovered services. Long-term care is not covered, and skilled nursing facility care is limited to less than 100 days.

  • Medicare Part A: Hospital coverage, limited skilled nursing, home health, and hospice—no premium for those with 10+ years of work or a covered spouse.
  • Medicare Part B: Doctor visits, outpatient, and medical care.
  • Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans (PPO, HMO, PFFS, etc.), combining Parts A and B. Check your Medicare and You Handbook for Hawaiʻi-specific options.
  • Medicare Part D: Drug coverage, with varying plans and premiums.

Part C and D plans may affect other coverages, like employer retirement plans, so consult your provider before changing Medicare coverage. Medigap plans are supplemental insurance to cover gaps in Original Medicare. Enroll in Medicare on time to avoid penalties or coverage gaps. For help, contact Hawaiʻi SHIP at 808-586-7299.

Medicaid is a state-run program for low-income individuals, including those 65 and older or with disabilities. In Hawaiʻi, it’s managed by the Med-QUEST Division through the QUEST Integration managed care program. Qualifications apply.

What type of transportation services are there for older adults?

Some transportation services support independent older adults or disabled travelers, while others assist those needing help. Persons with Disabilities Parking Permit applications are available at Satellite City Halls. Ride-sharing apps like Lyft or Uber are also options.

Non-emergency transportation providers offer curb-to-curb or door-to-door service, aiding frail passengers or wheelchair users. Some medical transport services accommodate gurneys and stretchers, with Medicaid accepted for eligible medical appointments. Search online under “gurney transport services on Oʻahu” for options.

What do I do if I, or someone I know, has been scammed?

Call 911 to file a police report. You may also consult the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, Elder Abuse Justice Unit at 808-768-7400. Contact your bank to discuss ways to safeguard your bank account.

Where can I find a case manager or social worker?

Consult with your primary care physician. Many provider networks have case managers and/or social workers so a doctor can help to make that connection. If you are a Medicaid recipient, contact your health insurance to request a Service Coordinator.

If you are a veteran and receive medical services at a federal hospital or veteran clinic, ask your doctor to connect you to a social worker. For other options, contact the Elderly Affairs Division at 808-768-7700.

What do I do if a neighbor or friend needs help?

Talk to your neighbor and see what kind of help he/she is willing to accept. See if he/she has family and/or friends that they can call on for help. If there are none, advise them to call the Elderly Affairs Division at 808-768-7700 for help in figuring out long-term care options.

What should I do if I’m concerned that my neighbor, who lives alone and appears to have memory issues, is not taking care of himself and may be experiencing self-neglect or possible abuse?

Adult Protective Services (APS) is a mandated service of the Adult Protective and Community Services Branch (APCSB) that provides crisis intervention, without regard to income, including investigation and emergency services for vulnerable adults who are reported to be abused, neglected or financially exploited by others or seriously endangered due to self-neglect.

A vulnerable adult is a person eighteen years of age or older, who because of mental, developmental, or physical impairment, is unable to: communicate or make responsible decisions to manage the person’s own care or resources; carry out or arrange for essential activities of daily living; or protect oneself from abuse.

Call APS directly at 808-832-5115.

Can I receive compensation for taking care of a family member?

Although limited, several government-subsidized programs can provide caregiver compensation. Qualifications do apply. The care recipient must be the one to initiate the request.

  • State Medicaid Program – If your family member is a Medicaid beneficiary, he/she must contact their health plan to inquire about the benefit.
  • U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs – If your family member is a veteran, he/she can inquire about Veteran’s Directed Home and Community-Based Services through their physician and/or VA Social Worker.
  • State Community Living Program – If your family member does not meet eligibility for the above programs, he/she can contact the Elderly Affairs Division (EAD) to see if they would be appropriate for the Community Living Program.

How do I get a Kūpuna Handbook?

You can find a digital copy of our Kūpuna Handbook below. If you wish to obtain a physical copy, contact our office at 808-768-7700.

Other ADRC Websites: