Sage PLUS: Free Hawaii Medicare counseling
Sage PLUS is Hawaii's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — free, unbiased, one-on-one Medicare counseling, available statewide and on every island.
Sage PLUS Hawaii statewide line: 1-888-875-9229 · Operated by the Hawaii Executive Office on Aging, Department of Health.
Ask any kupuna how they figured out their Medicare coverage and you'll often hear the same answer: somebody sent me to Sage PLUS. The coconut wireless does its work here. A neighbor mentions it at church, a friend shares the number after a good experience, an Area Agency on Aging staffer hands out a card. We hope this page helps that word-of-mouth keep moving.
What Sage PLUS does
Sage PLUS counselors are trained, certified volunteers and staff who help Hawaii Medicare beneficiaries — and the family members helping them — understand their options. Sage PLUS does not sell insurance and does not represent any health plan or insurance company. The service is free.
Sage PLUS counselors can help you with:
- Understanding what Medicare covers (Parts A, B, C, D)
- Comparing Medicare Advantage plans available in your area
- Comparing Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies
- Choosing or changing a Part D prescription drug plan
- Applying for Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) and Medicare Savings Programs
- Understanding dual-eligible status with Med-QUEST
- Sorting through claim denials and appeals
- Spotting and reporting Medicare fraud (Senior Medicare Patrol)
Sage PLUS by island
Sage PLUS counselors are available on every Hawaiian island. The fastest way to reach a counselor on your island is the statewide line — they'll route you to a counselor near you.
| Island | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Oahu | Statewide line + Honolulu County partner agencies |
| Hawaii Island | Statewide line + Hawaii County Office on Aging |
| Maui | Statewide line + Maui County Office on Aging |
| Molokai & Lanai | Statewide line + Maui County Office on Aging |
| Kauai | Statewide line + Kauai Agency on Elderly Affairs |
What to bring to a Sage PLUS appointment
- Your Medicare card (and Med-QUEST card if you have one)
- A list of all your medications with dosages — this is the single most important item, because Part D plans are evaluated on your specific drugs
- A list of your doctors and preferred hospitals — to check network participation
- Your zip code — Medicare Advantage plans are sold by county and zip
- Income information — needed for Extra Help and Medicare Savings Program screenings
How Sage PLUS is different from a Medicare agent
Both can be helpful — they serve different roles. A Sage PLUS counselor is a neutral educator funded through federal and state programs, focused on helping you understand your options across all available plans. A licensed Medicare agent represents specific insurance companies, can enroll you in plans, and is paid by the carriers when you enroll. There's no fee to you in either case.
Many Hawaii Medicare beneficiaries use both: Sage PLUS for unbiased education, and a licensed agent to actually enroll. MedicareAgents.com is one way to find a licensed Hawaii Medicare agent.
Senior Medicare Patrol Hawaii
Sage PLUS also operates the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Hawaii — a volunteer program that helps Medicare beneficiaries spot, prevent, and report Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. If you suspect something is wrong on a Medicare statement, call the same Sage PLUS line.
When to call Sage PLUS: Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) is the busiest time. Call early — appointments fill up. You can also call any time of year for help with Special Enrollment Periods, claim issues, or initial Medicare enrollment.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Sage PLUS is funded through federal SHIP grants and the State of Hawaii. Counselors do not sell insurance, are not paid commissions, and there's no fee for any service.
Initial Medicare counseling appointments usually run 60–90 minutes. Plan comparison appointments during AEP can take longer if you have many medications. Bring your medication list to make the appointment more efficient.
Yes. Family members and caregivers regularly work with Sage PLUS counselors. For specific account information, the Medicare beneficiary may need to be present or provide written authorization.
Sage PLUS focuses on Medicare and can help you understand dual-eligible status, but Med-QUEST applications themselves go through the Med-QUEST Division at 1-877-628-5076 or mybenefits.hawaii.gov.
Call the statewide line at 1-888-875-9229 — they'll connect you with the Maui County program that serves Molokai and Lanai. Phone counseling is available, and counselors occasionally travel to neighbor islands for in-person events.