Compare Medicare plans in Hawaii
Hawaii Medicare beneficiaries have many plan choices. The right comparison depends on what you actually use — your doctors, your medications, and how often you travel between islands or to the mainland.
Three Medicare paths in Hawaii
Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) plus a Medigap policy to fill gaps, plus a standalone Part D drug plan. The widest provider access — any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare anywhere in the U.S. — but the highest monthly premium total.
Best for: Travelers, neighbor-island residents who see Oahu specialists, snowbirds, anyone who wants maximum flexibility.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
A bundled plan from a private insurer that replaces Original Medicare, often with $0 premium and extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and OTC allowances. Networks are typically island-specific or statewide.
Best for: Beneficiaries who stay on one island and want lower monthly costs and bundled benefits.
Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)
For people with both Medicare and Med-QUEST. $0 premium, $0 copays for most services, plus expanded benefits including transportation, OTC, dental, and care coordination.
Best for: Anyone qualifying for both Medicare and Med-QUEST.
What to compare — beyond the premium
The monthly premium is the most visible number, but it's rarely the most important. When comparing Hawaii Medicare plans, focus on these factors in order:
- Doctor and hospital network — Are your current providers in-network? On neighbor islands, also ask whether the plan covers Oahu specialists. This is the single biggest factor for most beneficiaries.
- Drug formulary — Are your specific medications covered, and at what tier? A "cheap" plan that doesn't cover your $400/month medication isn't cheap.
- Inter-island travel coverage — Some plans cover air ambulance and inter-island specialist visits well; others have gaps. Critical for neighbor-island residents.
- Mainland and out-of-area coverage — If you visit family on the mainland or are a part-time resident, ask specifically about coverage outside Hawaii.
- Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) — The most you'd pay in a bad year. Plans range from about $3,000 to $9,250 for in-network MOOP in 2026.
- Extra benefits — Dental, vision, hearing, OTC, transportation, gym, meals. These have real value but should not drive the decision over network and formulary.
Tools for comparing plans in Hawaii
Medicare.gov Plan Finder
The official CMS plan-comparison tool. Enter your zip code and your medications, and it returns side-by-side comparisons of every Medicare Advantage and Part D plan available to you. Free, comprehensive, but the interface is dense.
PlanMatch.com
A licensed third-party comparison tool that walks you through plans side-by-side with your specific drugs and providers. Compare 2026 Hawaii plans →
Sage PLUS counseling
Free, unbiased one-on-one help from a trained counselor. Especially valuable for first-time comparisons or when you have complex needs (multiple medications, neighbor-island provider access, dual eligibility). Learn about Sage PLUS or call 1-888-875-9229.
Licensed Medicare agent
An agent can compare plans, explain differences, and enroll you. There's no cost to you — agents are paid by carriers when you enroll. Find a licensed Hawaii agent →
When you can change plans
Most Medicare plan changes happen during one of three windows:
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7. Changes effective January 1.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31. One change per year for those already in MA.
- Special Enrollment Periods: Triggered by life events — moving, losing coverage, qualifying for Med-QUEST, federal disaster declarations (relevant for Maui residents post-2023 wildfires).
Frequently asked questions
Available plans vary by zip code and county. Honolulu County typically has the most options; neighbor islands have fewer. Use Medicare.gov Plan Finder with your zip to see your specific choices.
Usually yes on monthly premium — many MA plans are $0/month, while Medigap policies run $150-400/month. But MA has copays for services, while Medigap covers them. The right choice depends on how much care you use, whether you travel, and your tolerance for surprise costs.
Kaiser is a major presence in Hawaii Medicare. Like other carriers, Kaiser offers both Medicare Advantage HMO plans and stand-alone Part D plans. We don't endorse specific carriers — compare your options on Medicare.gov or with an agent.
Currently yes, but starting January 1, 2027, dual-eligibles must align both plans with the same insurer. The transition is rolling out through 2026. If you're dual-eligible, talk to Sage PLUS or a licensed agent before AEP.
Every year during AEP (October 15 – December 7). Plans change benefits, formularies, and networks annually. The plan that was best for you last year may not be best for next year, even if your situation hasn't changed.