What are the Medicare Advantage plans in Hawaii?

Medicare Advantage plans in Hawaii—also known as Medicare Part C—are an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies that combine Part A (hospital coverage), Part B (medical coverage), and additional coverages like Part D (prescription drug coverage) into a single plan. Depending on the island you live on, you may have access to $0 monthly premium Medicare Advantage plan options that offer coverage beyond Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing benefits. 

What is a Medicare Advantage plan in Hawaii?

You’re eligible for a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan if you live in an area where Medicare Advantage plans are sold and if you’re already eligible for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan in which you enroll. 

Hawaii residents may have different coverage needs and preferences due to the unique geographic layout of the island chain, which influences the types of Medicare Advantage plans chosen across the state. Data shows that 55% of Hawaiians choose a Local Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan, while 42% choose a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or HMOPOS plan.

The popularity of these plan types directly reflects local care requirements:

• HMO Plans (e.g., Kaiser Permanente): Popular for beneficiaries seeking closely coordinated, localized care with dedicated island facilities and predictable out-of-pocket costs.

• PPO Plans (e.g., HMSA Akamai Advantage): Preferred by those who want network flexibility to travel between islands for specialized care or visit providers on the U.S. mainland without requiring referrals.

Medicare Advantage plans in Hawaii that include prescription drug coverage are known as Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans, which combine medical insurance, hospital insurance, and Part D prescription drug coverage into a single policy. Enrolling in an MAPD plan ensures your prescription medications count toward the federal Part D out-of-pocket spending limits. Under federal guidelines, out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for covered medications are capped at $2,100 in 2026 (expected to adjust to $2,400 in 2027). Once you reach this annual cap, your Medicare Advantage plan covers 100% of your covered prescription drug costs for the remainder of the calendar year.

2026-2027 Hawaii Medicare Enrollment Periods

To transition to a new Medicare plan or modify your existing coverage, you must do so during one of the federally regulated enrollment windows. Coverage changes are not guaranteed outside of these timelines unless you experience a qualifying life event: 

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) | October 15 to December 7: This is the primary fall window for any current Medicare beneficiary to switch or adjust coverage. During this time, you can transition from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, swap between different Part C policies, or change your standalone Part D prescription drug coverage. All changes take effect on January 1.

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) | January 1 to March 31: If you are already enrolled in a private Medicare Advantage plan on January 1, this dedicated winter timeline provides a one-time opportunity to adjust your choice. You can switch to a completely different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare (with the option to add a standalone Part D policy).

• Special Enrollment Period (SEP) | Occurs Based on Qualifying Events: You may qualify to change your coverage outside standard enrollment timelines if you experience specific qualifying life events. Qualifying events include moving to a new county in Hawaii or newly qualifying for a Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) through state assistance. 

Compare Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans in Hawaii

If you travel frequently between islands or often visit specialists on the U.S. mainland, a Medicare Advantage plan network might feel restrictive. For beneficiaries who prefer total freedom in choosing their healthcare providers without network constraints or referral requirements, pairing Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan may be a better fit. You can explore Medicare Supplement plans in Hawaii to determine which coverage style best matches your healthcare needs and lifestyle.

Why choose SelectQuote for Hawaii Medicare plans?

Finding the right healthcare coverage across the Hawaiian Islands requires understanding complex network rules, local plan availability, and out-of-pocket costs. SelectQuote is here to make the process simple.

• 40+ Years of Experience: Since 1985, our licensed agents have helped millions of Americans navigate complex Medicare options to find coverage that fits their needs and budget.

• Social Proof: Accredited with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and an "Excellent" rating on Trustpilot based on thousands of verified customer reviews, reflecting our dedication to customer trust and service.

• Localized Reviews: Supported by strong regional customer feedback, we provide personalized guidance to help Hawaii residents understand island-specific network rules, doctor access, and inter-island Medicare Advantage plan options.