Hawaii Medicare Supplement Plans: What You Need to Know
Hawaii's island geography creates unique Medicare considerations. With major population centers in Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, Kailua, and Kapolei, and healthcare access varying significantly between Oahu and the outer islands, choosing the right Medicare coverage is critical. That's where unbiased, fee-only guidance makes a difference.
Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that vary by county and may have limited networks on outer islands, Medigap plans in Hawaii are standardized by letter (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). This means a Plan G from one company covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from another company. The only differences are the premium you pay and the company's customer service.
Hawaii Medigap Open Enrollment Period
In Hawaii, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. This 6-month window is critical because:
- Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for any reason
- They cannot charge you more due to health conditions
- You have guaranteed issue rights to any Medigap plan sold in Hawaii
Standard Federal Rules Apply
Hawaii follows standard federal Medigap rules. Unlike some states, there is no birthday rule or year-round guaranteed issue in Hawaii. Your 6-month Open Enrollment Period when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B is your best opportunity to secure coverage without medical underwriting.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in Hawaii
While 10 standardized Medigap plans are available in Hawaii, the most popular choices are:
| Plan | Coverage Level | Best For | HI Monthly Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Comprehensive | Most new enrollees (best value) | $150 - $300 |
| Plan N | High with copays | Those wanting lower premiums | $110 - $220 |
| Plan F | Most comprehensive | Those eligible before 2020 | $180 - $350 |
*Premium ranges are estimates and vary by age, island location, gender, and tobacco use. Hawaii premiums are generally higher due to the state's higher cost of living. Contact us for personalized quotes.
Plan G vs Plan N in Hawaii
For most Hawaii residents new to Medicare, the choice comes down to Plan G or Plan N:
- Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible ($240 in 2024). No copays, no surprises. Ideal if you want predictable costs and visit doctors frequently, especially important if you need to travel between islands for specialist care.
- Plan N has lower premiums but requires up to $20 copays for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Good choice if you're healthy and want to save on monthly costs.
Hawaii Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
Hawaii has Medicare Advantage options, but they're often limited on the outer islands. These are very different products. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Medigap (Supplement) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $110 - $350+ | $0 - $50 (some higher) |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Very low (predictable) | Up to $8,850/year |
| Doctor Network | Any doctor accepting Medicare | Network restrictions |
| Inter-Island Travel for Care | No restrictions | May require referrals/authorization |
| Mainland Coverage | Works nationwide | Often limited or emergency only |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Separate Part D plan needed | Usually included |
| Extra Benefits | None | May include dental, vision, gym |
Read our complete Medigap vs Medicare Advantage guide to understand which option might be better for your situation.
Hawaii-Specific Medicare Considerations
Inter-Island Healthcare Access
Hawaii's island geography means that specialty care often requires travel to Oahu, where the majority of specialists and advanced medical facilities are located. If you live on Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, Medigap offers a critical advantage: any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare will accept your Medigap plan, regardless of island. You won't need referrals or network approvals to see specialists on a different island.
Limited Provider Networks on Outer Islands
Medicare Advantage plans with network restrictions can be particularly challenging in Hawaii's outer islands, where provider options are already limited. If you live outside of Honolulu and need to travel for care, Medigap's nationwide acceptance eliminates network concerns completely.
Mainland Travel and Snowbirds
Many Hawaii residents travel to the mainland regularly to visit family or escape the rainy season. If you spend time on the mainland, Medigap provides seamless coverage. Your plan works the same whether you're in Honolulu, Seattle, or anywhere in the United States. Medicare Advantage plans often limit coverage to your home county except for emergencies, which can be problematic for extended mainland stays.
Hawaii SHIP Program
Hawaii offers a free counseling program called SHIP (Sage PLUS). While SHIP counselors can provide general Medicare information, they cannot recommend specific plans or companies. That's where a fee-only Medicare advisor adds value: we can make specific recommendations based on your individual situation, island location, and travel patterns.
Cost of Living Considerations
Hawaii's higher cost of living affects Medigap premiums. While Hawaii premiums are generally higher than the national average, the value of comprehensive, predictable coverage may be especially important given the state's healthcare geography and the potential costs of inter-island medical travel.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hawaii Medicare
The best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights and cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to health conditions.
Yes, but you'll need to go through medical underwriting, which means the insurance company can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health. Hawaii does not have a birthday rule or year-round guaranteed issue, so the 6-month Open Enrollment Period is critical for securing coverage without health questions.
Medigap premiums in Hawaii typically range from $110-$350+ per month depending on the plan letter, your age, island location (Oahu tends to be more expensive than outer islands), gender, and tobacco use. Hawaii premiums are generally higher than the national average due to the state's higher cost of living.
Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 before that date, you can still enroll in Plan F. However, Plan G offers nearly identical coverage (minus the Part B deductible) and often has lower premiums.
Yes. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You'll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan separately. Hawaii has several Part D options, and we can help you compare them based on your specific medications.
Yes. Medigap plans work with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, regardless of which island they're on. If you live on Maui but need specialist care on Oahu, your Medigap plan will work the same way. You won't need referrals or network approvals for inter-island medical care.