Enrolling in Medicare in Hawaii is a decision that should be made before your 65th birthday. You’ve been paying into it your entire life, and you deserve the many benefits of being enrolled as soon as possible.
Taking advantage of Medicare is simple, but understanding the different components can be a challenging task. The sooner you decide which plan to enroll in and submit your application for benefits, the more prepared you’ll be when it’s time to use them!
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Hawaii Medicare Insurance Trends
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on 2024 Medicare trends in Hawaii:
- Approximately 298,533 residents of Hawaii are enrolled in Medicare.
- There are 40 Medicare Advantage plans available in Hawaii.
- The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium decreased in Hawaii from $43.90 in 2023 to $47.01 in 2024.
- There are 19 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans available in Hawaii.
- 100% of Hawaiians with Medicare will have access to a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 monthly premium.
- The lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan for 2024 in Hawaii is $0.50.
Medicare Offered in Hawaii
Original Medicare
Original Medicare offers basic health insurance coverage. Part A covers some inpatient care costs for hospital stays, costs associated with stays in a skilled nursing facility or hospice, and some home health services. Part B covers a portion of the costs for medically necessary services to diagnose or treat a medical condition, and preventive services.
Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, or hearing care. Original Medicare is administered by the federal government to U.S. residents over the age of 65, while supplemental Medicare plans cover things that are not covered by Part A and Part B, and can be purchased from private insurance providers.
Medicare Advantage
There are 30 Medicare Advantage plans available to residents in Hawaii. Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, combines Original Medicare with Medicare Part D, which provides prescription drug coverage.
In Hawaii, Medicare Advantage plans are available from the following insurers in 2024:
- HMSA Akamai Advantage
- Kaiser Permanente
- Lasso Healthcare
- UnitedHealthcare
- WellCare
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Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, may be purchased to pay for deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs not covered by other tiers of Medicare coverage. Some of the insurers in Hawaii that offer Medigap plans in 2024 include:
- AARP – UnitedHealthcare
- Mutual of Omaha
- Sentinel Security
- State Farm
- USAA
Hawaii Medicare Enrollment
Residents of Hawaii are eligible for Medicare if they are U.S. citizens above 65 years old or are under 65 but are permanently disabled, have end-stage renal disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Use Medicare’s online eligibility tool if you are unsure if you qualify.
Requirements
- You are 65 or older, and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters.
- You are under age 65 and collect benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for at least 24 consecutive months.
- You have ESRD or ALS.
Enrollment Period Dates
Initial Enrollment Period
This is a seven-month window that allows you to sign up for a plan
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
Medicare Open Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for a plan, switch a plan or leave a plan
- Begins Starts October 15th
- Ends December 7th
Special Enrollment Period
Special enrollment periods allow you to enroll outside the regular enrollment periods under specific circumstances.
General Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you didn’t sign up when first eligible or if you’re not qualified for a Special Enrollment Period.
- Starts January 1st
- Ends March 31st
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
This is when you can switch or leave a Medicare Advantage Plan
- Starts January 1st
- Ends March 31st
Hawaii Enrollment Tips & Advice
The law requires each state to provide objective counseling and advice for Medicare beneficiaries who may have questions regarding the various guidelines and details regarding coverage. These are called State Health Insurance Programs (SHIP). Hawaii SHIP is administered by the Hawaii Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging.
Other resources:
How Do I Enroll in a Medicare Plan?
If you have any questions about Hawaii Medicare options, speak to one of our licensed agents. Our dedicated team will help you find a Medicare plan that works for you.
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