Medicare plays a key role in providing health and financial security to beneficiaries residing in Hawaii. With more than 278,700 Hawaii beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, we’ll cover some very important information below about Medicare in Hawaii. We want to help you better understand your options and make the decision-process as seamless as possible once you’re ready to enroll in Medicare or discover different coverage options.

Hawaii Medicare Enrollments

146,470

Original Medicare Plans (Part A and B)

132,264

Medicare Advantage & Other Health Plans

198,954

Stand-alone Medicare Part D (Drug Plans)

278,734

Total Medicare Beneficiaries in Hawaii

Who Qualifies for Medicare in Hawaii?

Medicare covers most Hawaii residents who are 65 or older, and it also covers disabled Hawaii residents. In general, Medicare enrollment in Hawaii works the same way as it does in the rest of the country. If you qualify for Original Medicare, also known as Part A and Part B, it will help cover 80% of your health care costs.

When you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B. If you’re eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you can sign up during the 7-month period that:

  • Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
  • Includes the month you turn 65
  • Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65

In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You’ll be responsible for paying this penalty for as long as you have Part B, and you could have a gap in your health coverage.

Once you reach Medicare eligibility, you can begin choosing additional coverage options to help pay for the remaining 20% of your medical expenses through Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap, and/or a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan.

Who Qualifies for Medicare

Local Medicare Health Plan Resources in Hawaii

  • Hawaii’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): SHIP provides free health insurance information, education, counseling, and referral for people with Medicare. Volunteers are trained and certified to assist members and their families with questions about Medicare benefits including Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D – the prescription drug benefit, Medigap, and Medicare Savings Program.
    Contact: Call 1-808-586-7299 for the Island of Oahu, 1-888-875-9229 for neighboring islands, or complete an online contact form on the SHIP Hawaii website.

  • Legal Aid Society of Hawaii: The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii assists low-income seniors with issues related to Medicare Advantage. Beneficiaries can access free and low-cost legal advice related to health insurance, and service is generally delivered through one-on-one appointments. Legal Aid counselors can also refer seniors to local resources related to Medicare.
    Contact: Call 1-808-536-4302

  • Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs): SMP’s mission is to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education.
    Contact: Call 1-808-586-7281 (Oahu) and those who live on neighboring islands can call the statewide toll-free number at 1-800-296-9422.

  • Hawaii’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC): ADRC helps older adults, individuals with disabilities, and family caregivers find options for long term supports and services available to them in the State of Hawaii.

    The ADRC is a highly visible and trusted source where people of all incomes and ages can turn for information.
    ADRC staff will help to determine if you are eligible for government-paid programs, assist you in finding providers you may pay for yourself, and work with you to develop an individual plan for meeting your future long-term care needs. The assistance is paid for by the State and Counties (at no cost to you).
    Contact: Call 1-808-643-2372

The licensed agents that are partnered with Timefor65 can help you compare the availability, benefits, and costs of Medicare plans in your specific region of Hawaii. Our process makes it easier for you to access your Medicare eligibility in Hawaii so that you receive personalized, affordable, and easy-to-use coverage options and solutions. Fill out the form or give us a call at (866) 327‑0148 anytime to get a free quote or to ask any questions.

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