Table of Contents

Medicare Plans by State

STATE -Select-
  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
Page Reviewed / Updated – December 23, 2023

Medicare Advantage was introduced in 1997 as an alternative way for Medicare recipients to receive health care benefits. It combines Part A and Part B into a single plan, also known as Part C. Plans are managed by private companies rather than the government. In addition to Original Medicare benefits, Medicare Advantage Plans offer coverage of extra services to enhance the health of enrollees. This can include wellness programs, dental care and transportation to medical appointments. Most plans also include prescription drug coverage, which means seniors don’t have to purchase a separate drug plan.

Although these plans are overseen by the federal government, companies have control over many aspects of the plans. Providers can set their own requirements regarding referrals and use in-network providers. They can also set their own out-of-pocket costs for copays, deductibles and coinsurance within the guidelines set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

From 2022 to 2023, there was a 3.3% increase in the number of Hawaiians enrolled in Medicare Advantage. Hawaii has one of the highest rates of Part C enrollment in the country, with 53% of eligible people currently choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan. This is a slight increase over 2022, when 52% of enrollees chose Part C. Nationally, 48% of eligible people choose Medicare Advantage, and this number has been growing since the program started. 

This guide can help seniors decide whether Medicare Advantage suits their health insurance needs. It has information about popular providers in Hawaii, what the plans cover, eligibility guidelines and how to find a suitable plan.

The Top 10 Medicare Advantage Plans in Hawaii

There are a number of companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans to Hawaii’s seniors, providing a range of choices to Medicare-eligible residents. The table below lists the top seven providers in the state based on the total number of people enrolled. Most providers have multiple plans available, so cost information is included as a range rather than an average. The table also shows how providers are ranked out of five stars based on customer satisfaction surveys. This information is correct as of August 2023. Seniors can get the most up-to-date information on plans and prices in New Mexico at Medicare.gov.

Name

Enrollment

Medicare Star Rating

Monthly Cost Range

Plan Types

UnitedHealthcare

43847

4

$0 – $55

PPO

HMSA Akamai Advantage

37238

3.5

$0 – $124

PPO

Kaiser Permanente

35621

5

$0 – $183

HMO

Humana

22448

4

$0 – $49

PPO, HMO

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

9780

3.5

$0 – $0

HMO

Devoted Health

2196

N/A

$0 – $33

PPO

Wellcare by ‘Ohana Health Plan

1986

N/A

$0 – $14

PPO

How Medicare Advantage Plans Work in Hawaii

Understanding the different plan types available in Hawaii can help Medicare-eligible residents make the best choice for their health needs. Each provider can offer multiple plans, including health maintenance organization plans (HMOs), preferred provider organization plans (PPOs) and private fee-for-service plans (PFFS). Each plan type has different rules regarding prescription drug coverage, the need for a primary care physician, referrals and in-network coverage. The four most common plan types are described below.

Medicare Advantage Plan Types Graphic

What Medicare Advantage Plans Cover in Hawaii

All Medicare Advantage plans must offer the same benefits as Original Medicare, including hospital care, preventive screenings, mental health services and lab tests. The one exception is hospice care, which is not included in Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans can also offer extra benefits, such as dental care, prescription drugs and vision services. These extra benefits differ depending on the plan and provider, so seniors should check that their needs are covered before deciding on a plan.



Coverage Available With Medicare Parts A & B?

Coverage Available With Medicare Advantage?

Preventive Screenings

Yes

Yes

Hospital Care

Yes

Yes

Durable Medical Equipment

Yes

Yes

Prescription Drugs

No

Yes**

Vision Care

No

Yes*

Dental Care

No

Yes*

Hearing Aids

No

Yes*

*Select plans offer this coverage

** Most plans offer this coverage

Eligibility for Medicare Advantage in Hawaii

Medicare Advantage plans are available to people who meet Medicare eligibility requirements and already have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. To qualify for Medicare, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen or lawful immigrant who is aged 65 or older. People younger than 65 may be eligible if they have a disability. To be eligible for a specific Medicare Advantage plan, a person must live in the plan’s service area. 

As with other types of health insurance, Medicare Advantage has limited enrollment periods. It’s important that seniors understand when they can enroll in or change a Medicare Advantage plan to ensure they’re health care needs are properly covered. The list below has more information about the timing of Medicare enrollments.

  • Initial Coverage Election Period: This is the initial 7-month period, coinciding with one’s 65th birthday, during which everyone is eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
  • Annual Election Period (AEP): Also referred to as the Open Enrollment Period, this the time of year when anyone over 65 can enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time or change to a new plan.
  • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: During this period, those who are already enrolled in Medicare Advantage can switch to a different plan or switch back to Original Medicare.

Start Date

End Date

Initial Coverage Election
Period

3 Months Before One’s
65th Birth Month

3 Months After One’s
65th Birth Month

Annual Election Period
(AEP)

October 15th

December 7th

Medicare Advantage Open
Enrollment Period

January 1st

March 31st

Additionally, Medicare Advantage plan participants can change their plan outside of these enrollment periods under certain qualifying circumstances, such as moving to a new state.

How to Find & Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan in Hawaii

Navigating the many intricacies of Medicare Advantage plan types, insurers, and the specific plan options available by region can be a difficult and time-consuming task. Below are several resources we’ve created to help you through the process.

First is a downloadable PDF that you can use as a guide to help you compare plans as you research. Finally, we have listed a number of organizations that you can contact with experts that will help you determine whether Medicare Advantage is right for you and what plans you should consider.

Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan



State-Wide Medicare Advantage Resources

State Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

Hawaii’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a federally funded program that provides free Medicare counseling. Administered through the Hawaii State Department of Health, SHIP is open to Medicare beneficiaries, their families and their caregivers, as well as those seniors who will soon be eligible for Medicare. SHIP Medicare counseling is delivered through a network of trained and vetted volunteers. SHIP volunteer counselors can give seniors information on Medicare and Medicare Advantage, as well as programs that help low-income seniors. This free MA counseling is presented via small group sessions and on a one-to-one basis through in-person meetings and phone calls. 

Contact Info

To connect with a local SHIP volunteer counselor, seniors can call Hawaii SHIP at 1-808-586-7299 on the Island of Oahu. Seniors who reside on neighboring islands can also call the statewide number at 1-888-875-9229. They can also complete an online contact form on the SHIP Hawaii website. 

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Legal Aid Society of Hawaii

The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii assists low-income seniors with issues related to Medicare Advantage. MA 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 Info

The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii can be reached by phone at 1-808-536-4302.

Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs Hawaii)

Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs) are federally-funded, state-regulated volunteer groups that work to improve Medicare for seniors by preventing, detecting and reporting health care fraud, abuse and billing errors. There are more than 40 SMP volunteers in Hawaii who provide free one-on-one counseling to help beneficiaries correct Medicare billing errors. SMPs also deliver free information workshops throughout the state and make referrals to state and federal agencies when Medicare abuse or fraud is suspected. 

Contact Info

To contact the Hawaii Senior Medicare Patrol, Oahu seniors can call 1-808-586-7281. Those who live on neighboring islands can call the statewide toll-free number at 1-800-296-9422.

Local Medicare Advantage Resources

Hawaii Aging and Disability Resource Center

Hawaii’s Aging and Disability Resource Center provides seniors and their caregivers with help finding long term supports, services and resources related to health and wellness. Funded by the State of Hawaii, as well as each county, ADRC staff can assess each seniors’ eligibility for government-funded programs, help seniors find service providers and make referrals to local resources. ADRC workers can also work with seniors and their families to develop a long-term care plan that includes coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan. 

Contact Info

To connect with a local ADRC staff member, seniors can call the ADRC statewide phone number at 1-808-643-2372. 

Hawaii County Office of Aging

The Hawaii County Office of Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Hawaii County. The office works to plan, coordinate and administer programs and services for seniors, as well as to advocate for services that help older adults live with dignity. Seniors, adults with disabilities and their families can use the online needs assessment tool, use the eldercare search to find local resources and apply for country-funded services, such as transportation, adult day care and home-delivered meals. 

Contact Info

To contact the Hawaii County Office of Aging, seniors can call either the Hilo or the Kona office. The contact number in Hilo is 1-808-961-8626, while the contact number for the Kona office is 1-808-323-4390. 

County of Kauai Agency on Elderly Affairs (AEA)

The Country of Kauai Agency on Elderly Affairs (AEA) is the local Area Agency on Aging for Kauai. The AEA administers transportation, homemaker, personal care, respite and elderly nutrition programs for seniors aged 60 and older. The AEA also provides caregiver counseling, case management and referrals, with a focus on those seniors with low-incomes and those seniors who are socially isolated. Seniors and their caregivers can access many of AEA’s resources through Kauai’s virtual Aging and Disability Resource Center, and the AEA hosts a number of public education events throughout the year.

Contact Info

To contact the County of Kauai Agency on Elderly Affairs, seniors can call 1-808-241-4470. They can also email the office at [email protected]

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