Key takeaways

  • In Hawaii, individuals 65 and older, or those under 65 with specific conditions like disabilities or ALS, are eligible for Medicare.
  • Hawaii offers various Medicare plans, including Original Medicare (Parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), prescription drug coverage (Part D), and Medigap plans for out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Over 300,000 Hawaii residents are enrolled in Medicare, with private insurers providing Medicare Advantage and Medigap options, though monthly premiums for Medicare Advantage plans have slightly increased for 2026.

When you turn age 65 in Hawaii (or you’re under age 65 and meet certain requirements), you can get health insurance through the federal government with Medicare.

Medicare plans in Hawaii include:

  • Original Medicare (parts A and B)
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C)
  • Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
  • Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap)

Understanding each part of Medicare can help you get the coverage you need. Learn about the Medicare plans offered in Hawaii, when to enroll, and where to go for help.

Snapshot of Medicare in Hawaii

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in Hawaii for the 2026 plan year:

  • A total of 310,594 residents of Hawaii are enrolled in Medicare.
  • The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium changed from $45.90 in 2025 to $52.34 in 2026.
  • There are 44 Medicare Advantage plans available in Hawaii for 2026, compared to 43 plans in 2025
  • All Hawaii residents with Medicare can buy a Medicare Advantage plan, including plans with $0 premiums.
  • For 2025, Hawaii, like most other states, offers 10 different Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans. It also offers 8 different prescription drug (Part D) plans.

Medicare is more than just one plan. Different plans and components cover different parts of your healthcare.

  • Original Medicare: This is managed by the federal government and includes two main parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Neither part covers prescription drugs.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): These plans are private plans that cover the same benefits as Original Medicare, and may also cover benefits like vision, dental, or prescription drugs. Some plans have limited provider networks, so confirm your doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
  • Medicare Part D: This is another private, stand-alone plan option for prescription drug coverage. You’d enroll in Part D with Original Medicare or with a Part C plan without lumped-in drug coverage.
  • Medicare supplement (Medigap): These plans help cover the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, which might include copays and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized in most states, and you can choose among 10 plans to supplement Original Medicare. You cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage.

For all private Medicare options, availability varies by county, so check Medicare.gov for what’s available in your area.

Hawaii residents can qualify for Medicare at age 65 if they’re U.S. citizens or legal residents for at least 5 years. People under 65 may also qualify through disability, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

If you live in Hawaii, you can qualify for Medicare at age 65 if you’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least 5 years. If you’re under 65, you may also qualify through disability, or by living with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

You can:

  • Initial Enrollment: Enroll 3 months before to 3 months after your 65th birthday
  • Open Enrollment: Join or change plans from October 15 to December 7
  • Medicare Advantage Enrollment: Switch Advantage plans from January 1 to March 31
  • Special enrollment period: Enroll after a life change, such as losing job-based coverage

When choosing a plan, consider provider networks, costs, and quality ratings. The following resources in Hawaii can help you make the best decision for you.

More than 300,000 Hawaii residents are enrolled in Medicare. Several private insurance companies offer various types of Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans throughout the state.

Overall, monthly premium costs have slightly increased for 2026 Medicare Advantage plans in Hawaii. There are also several Medigap plan options if you live in Hawaii and are looking for additional coverage.