Explore your options
Compare options, including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and prescription plans.
Find a Licensed Medicare agent in Hawaii
Connect with Medicare agents in Hawaii
Toni Aldridge
Kevin Hatfield
Shannon Davis
Tyler Eby
Kayla Torry
Brandon Kauffman
Calvin Fritz
Sara Morrissey
Matt Willenborg
Ariel De Jesus
Why work with a Medicare agent
Enroll in Medicare
Get the help you need to enroll in Medicare, from Original Medicare to supplemental coverage.
Use your coverage
Receive extended support to help you use your plan effectively, find doctors, and get savings.
A Snapshot of Medicare in Hawaii
In Hawaii, 54% of Medicare beneficiaries have a Medicare Advantage plan and 46% are on Original Medicare. The federal government manages Original Medicare, while private insurers offer Medicare Advantage plans as an alternative to Original Medicare.
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans are the two primary Medicare coverage options for eligible Hawaiians. Medicare Advantage plans offer Part A and Part B coverage in place of Original Medicare and often offer prescription drug benefits. Original Medicare doesn't cover prescriptions, so people need to purchase a standalone Part D plan to get their prescriptions covered.
People on Original Medicare also have the option to get a Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) plan. These plans cover many of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. And because Original Medicare doesn’t have an out–of-pocket maximum, many people on Original Medicare do choose to get a Medigap plan.
Medicare Advantage plans can come with extra benefits, like prescription coverage, vision and hearing coverage, and OTC benefits. They also have their downsides: mainly provider networks and prior authorization requirements that can limit your access to care.
How to apply for Medicare in Hawaii?
Medicare eligibility in Hawaii follows the same nationwide rules as everywhere else in the country. You qualify for Medicare as a US citizen if you meet one of these criteria:
- You're 65 or older
- You have a qualifying disability, such as End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS
- You've received SSDI for 24 months or more
Enrolling in Hawaii takes three key steps:
- Sign up for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
- Decide on your supplemental coverage:
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Part D (prescription drug coverage)
- Confirm your doctors are in network, update your pharmacy with your new plan, and activate any additional benefits included with your coverage
FAQs
Where can Hawaii residents get help comparing their Medicare choices?
You can use a licensed Hawaii Medicare agent to help you compare your Medicare options and enroll in the right coverage for your needs. Make sure to work with an independent Medicare agent in Hawaii who will look at every plan—most agents will only look at a handful. Contact Chapter's licensed Medicare agents for help comparing all of your Medicare options to find the right coverage for your health and financial needs. Call Chapter at (855) 900-2427 or schedule a free consultation.
Does living on a different Hawaiian island affect Medicare Advantage plan availability or provider networks?
The Medicare Advantage plans available to you depend on where you live in Hawaii. Make sure you’re only looking at plans available in your zipcode. Also be sure to check each plan’s provider directory to see whether it includes your doctors and hospitals, especially if you travel to another island for care. Depending on the plan, non-emergency care outside of network will cost more or not be covered at all.
What should I know about my Medicare coverage if I move between islands in Hawaii?
Hawaii residents who move to an area may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to switch to Original Medicare or choose a new Medicare Advantage plan. If they notify their insurer before moving, the enrollment period starts one month before the move and lasts two full months afterward. If they notify their insurer after moving, the period starts the month they move and lasts two full months afterward.
When should Hawaii residents enroll in Medicare to avoid late enrollment penalties?
Most Hawaiians should enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period to avoid late enrollment penalties. The period starts three months before beneficiaries turn 65, includes their birthday month, and ends three months after that month. People with healthcare coverage through their or their spouse's current employment may be able to delay Part B enrollment without a penalty. They should confirm that their coverage qualifies with their employer's benefits administrator or insurer. Hawaii residents who start receiving Social Security benefits at least four months before turning 65 are generally enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically.
