Hawaiians can choose from Original Medicare (parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. Medicare supplement plans and prescription drug plans (Part D) can provide additional coverage.

When you turn age 65 in the Aloha State (or are under age 65 and meet certain requirements), you can get health insurance through the federal government with Medicare.

Medicare plans in Hawaii include:

  • Original Medicare (parts A and B)
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C)
  • Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
  • Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap)

Understanding each part of Medicare can help you get the coverage you need.

Learn about the Medicare plans offered in Hawaii, when to enroll, and where to go for help.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in Hawaii for the 2025 plan year:

  • A total of 304,506 residents of Hawaii are enrolled in Medicare.
  • The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium increase in Hawaii compared from $46.08 in 2024 to $47.51 in 2025.
  • There are 40 Medicare Advantage plans available in Hawaii for 2025, compared to 43 plans in 2024.
  • All Hawaii residents with Medicare have access to buy a Medicare Advantage plan, including plans with $0 premiums.
  • There are 12 different Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans, including two high-deductible plans, and 12 different prescription drug (Part D) plans offered in Hawaii for 2025.

Hawaii residents can choose between Original Medicare, provided and administered by the federal government, or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan to replace it. Part C plans may provide additional coverage.

Original Medicare

Original Medicare is divided into two parts covering different types of care: parts A and B.

Part A (inpatient care) covers:

Part B (outpatient care) covers:

In addition to Original Medicare, you can choose from additional or alternative coverage options through private providers.

Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage. If you need it, you can purchase a Part D plan.

Medicare Advantage in Hawaii

These plans are offered through private insurance companies. They cover the same things as Original Medicare and may also include extra coverage for:

All these options are bundled together in a single plan to make getting the care you need easier. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans also have a limit on how much you pay out of pocket each year. But you may have to visit in-network providers.

Medicare Advantage plans in Hawaii are offered by these insurance carriers:

These companies offer plans in many counties in Hawaii. However, Medicare Advantage plan offerings vary by county, so enter your specific ZIP code when searching for plans where you live.

Medicare supplement plans in Hawaii

Medigap plans are private insurance plans designed to help with the portion of Original Medicare costs you pay, such as deductibles for hospital stays, coinsurance, and copays. Medigap policies cannot be used for Medicare Advantage coverage or expenses.

Many companies offer Medigap plans in Hawaii. In 2021, some of the companies offering Medigap plans throughout the state include:

  • AARP – UnitedHealthcare
  • Mutual of Omaha
  • State Farm
  • Transamerica
  • Washington National
  • USAA

To be eligible for Medicare, Hawaii residents must be:

  • 65 years old or older
  • a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least the past 5 years

You may also qualify if you are under age 65 and:

When can I enroll in Medicare Hawaii plans?

You can enroll in Medicare and Medicare Advantage in specific periods.

  • Initial enrollment period: If you’re first eligible when you turn age 65, you can sign up during this 7-month period. It starts 3 months before the month you turn age 65 and ends 3 months after the month of your 65th birthday.
  • Medicare open enrollment period: The annual open enrollment period happens between October 15 and December 7. At this time, you can join a Medicare Advantage plan or switch to a new plan.
  • Medicare Advantage open enrollment period: If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another one between January 1 and March 31 each year.

Certain life events, such as losing the job providing your health coverage, trigger a special enrollment period. This allows you to sign up for Medicare outside of the standard enrollment periods without paying a penalty.

Tips for enrolling in Medicare in Hawaii

Think carefully about your healthcare needs before selecting a plan. If you think you may have higher healthcare costs or need additional coverage, a Medicare Advantage plan may be a better option than Original Medicare.

If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan, review the available plans carefully for:

  • a network of doctors and facilities you prefer that is in your geographic area
  • affordable monthly premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays
  • star ratings that reflect high quality care and patient satisfaction

More than 300,000 Hawaii residents are enrolled in Medicare.

Several private insurance companies offer various types of Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans throughout the state.

Overall, monthly premium costs have slightly increased for 2025 Medicare Advantage plans in Hawaii.

There are also several Medigap plan options if you live in Hawaii and are looking for additional coverage.