Medicare Part B in Hawaii — medical insurance
Part B covers outpatient medical care, doctor visits, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and some home health. The standard 2026 premium is $202.90/month.
What Part B covers
- Doctor and specialist visits — both primary care and specialty physicians
- Outpatient hospital services — emergency room, observation stays, outpatient surgery
- Preventive services — annual wellness visits, flu shots, mammograms, colonoscopies (most at no cost)
- Durable medical equipment (DME) — wheelchairs, oxygen, CPAPs, walkers
- Lab tests and diagnostic imaging
- Mental health services — outpatient therapy, psychiatric care
- Ambulance services — including inter-island air ambulance when medically necessary
- Some prescription drugs — those administered in a medical setting (chemotherapy, certain injectables)
2026 Part B costs
| Cost | 2026 amount |
|---|---|
| Standard monthly premium | $202.90 |
| Annual deductible | $283 |
| Coinsurance after deductible | Generally 20% of Medicare-approved amount |
Income-related premium (IRMAA)
If your modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds (based on tax returns from 2 years prior), you'll pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount on top of the standard premium. 2026 IRMAA brackets start at $109,000 for individuals and $218,000 for joint filers.
When to enroll in Part B
Most Hawaii residents enroll in Part B during their Initial Enrollment Period — the 7-month window around their 65th birthday. Delaying Part B can result in a permanent late enrollment penalty unless you have qualifying employer coverage (creditable coverage).
Hawaii Part B considerations
Provider access: Hawaii's physician shortages — particularly on Maui, Kauai, and the neighbor islands — mean Part B beneficiaries sometimes wait for specialist appointments or travel between islands for care. Original Medicare's nationwide provider freedom is an advantage in this context, since you can use any Medicare-accepting provider.
Telehealth: Part B continues to cover telehealth services, which is particularly valuable for neighbor-island residents. Many Hawaii providers now offer telehealth as a standard option. Learn more about Medicare telehealth in Hawaii.
Frequently asked questions
If your employer has 20+ employees and provides creditable coverage, yes — you can delay Part B without penalty. Smaller employers, retiree-only plans, and COBRA generally don't qualify. Check with your HR department or call Sage PLUS.
Yes, when medically necessary and ground transportation isn't feasible. This is common for inter-island medical transfers in Hawaii. You'll typically owe 20% coinsurance after meeting the Part B deductible.
The 2026 standard premium of $202.90/month reflects healthcare cost increases nationally. Higher-income beneficiaries pay more through IRMAA. If your income has dropped (retirement, loss of spouse), you can request an IRMAA reconsideration from Social Security.