Medigap (Medicare Supplement) in Hawaii
Medigap policies — also called Medicare Supplement Insurance — work alongside Original Medicare to cover deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. In Hawaii, Medigap is especially valuable because it preserves provider freedom across all islands.
How Medigap works
Medigap is private insurance you buy to cover costs Original Medicare doesn't. It only works with Original Medicare — you cannot have a Medigap policy and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time.
The federal government standardizes Medigap plans into lettered policies (Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). The benefits within each letter are identical across insurance companies, but premiums vary based on the company, your age, where you live, and tobacco use.
Why Medigap matters in Hawaii
This is especially valuable for Hawaii residents because:
- Specialists you may need are concentrated on Oahu
- If you travel between islands or to the mainland, you're covered everywhere
- You can switch doctors or hospitals without changing plans
- You don't need referrals to see specialists
Most popular plans in Hawaii
The most commonly purchased Medigap plans for new Medicare beneficiaries are:
- Plan G — covers nearly everything except the Part B deductible. The most comprehensive plan available to those newly eligible for Medicare.
- Plan N — slightly lower premium than Plan G, but includes some copays and excess charges.
- High-Deductible Plan G — much lower premium, but you pay first $2,950 (the 2026 high-deductible amount) before benefits kick in.
- Plan K — pays 50% of most costs, with an annual out-of-pocket limit of $8,000.
- Plan L — pays 75% of most costs, with an annual out-of-pocket limit of $4,000.
Plans C and F are not available to new Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible on or after January 1, 2020.
Hawaii Medigap Open Enrollment
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a 6-month window starting the month you turn 65 AND have Part B. During this period:
- You have guaranteed-issue rights — insurers must sell you any Medigap plan they offer
- They cannot deny coverage or charge more for pre-existing conditions
- This is the best time to buy Medigap
Outside this window in Hawaii: Insurance companies can use medical underwriting and may deny coverage or charge more based on health. Hawaii does not have annual guaranteed-issue Medigap rights like some states (e.g., New York, Connecticut, California's birthday rule).
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage in Hawaii
| Original Medicare + Medigap | Medicare Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider access | Any Medicare provider, any island | Plan network only (HMO) or higher cost out-of-network |
| Referrals | Not required | Often required |
| Inter-island flexibility | Excellent | Varies by plan |
| Drug coverage | Buy separate Part D plan | Usually included |
| Extra benefits (dental, vision) | Not included | Often included |
| Monthly cost | Higher (Medigap + Part D premiums) | Often $0 plan premium |
| Predictability | Most costs covered, low surprises | Varies by service |
Frequently asked questions
No. Medigap only supplements Original Medicare's medical coverage. For prescription drugs, you need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan or join a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage (MA-PD).
Yes — Medigap works with Original Medicare, which lets you see any provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. There are no networks, no referrals, and no inter-island restrictions.
You can apply to switch any time, but outside specific guaranteed-issue periods, insurance companies can use medical underwriting to deny coverage or charge more based on your health. Hawaii does not have an annual guaranteed-issue switching window.
Premiums vary widely based on the plan letter, insurance company, your age, gender, tobacco use, and ZIP code. Plan G premiums for a 65-year-old in Hawaii commonly range from approximately $130 to $250+ per month. Compare quotes from multiple insurers.