Best Hawaii Medigap Medicare Supplement Plans
In this Article
A Medigap plan can help you pay some out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). In this article, you will discover what Medicare Supplement plans in Hawaii cost, which Medicare plans are available, the gaps each plan fills, when and how to enroll, how to avoid underwriting, and how to get discounts and premiums on Medicare supplemental insurance where you live.
What You Need to Know
- Medicare Supplement plans in Hawaii are offered by private insurance companies and are designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
- Plans are standardized in Hawaii, meaning each plan letter offers the same basic benefits regardless of the insurer.
- Medicare Supplements are available to Hawaii residents at age 65 and over who have enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
- All plans offer coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Medicare Part B copayments or coinsurance, and the first three pints of blood.
- Most plans cover the Medicare Part A deductible and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance.
- Supplements do not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing.
- Supplements are available in 10 different plan options, labeled A through N.
- Medicare SELECT plans require enrollees to use a local Hawaii provider network.
- Some Medicare Supplement insurers offer a household discount when both you and your spouse have a policy.
Do You Need a Medicare Supplement in Hawaii?
Even though Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) will pay about 80% of all medically necessary healthcare costs, you are responsible for the remaining 20%. These health bills come to you as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, and they can add up fast.
Each time you use a Medicare-approved healthcare service, you pay a deductible, co-payment, or coinsurance. Due to the sky-high healthcare costs in Hawaii, if you are hospitalized, these costs are considerable.
To illustrate, Medicare Part A's benefit period deductible is $1,600. You pay this each time you are hospitalized unless you're readmitted within 60 days for the same issue. Plus, you're responsible for 20% of all Part B medical costs while you're an inpatient.
This is where Hawaii Medicare Supplement plan coverage comes in. Supplements, also called Medigap plans, pay many of the out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare. So, if you're wondering, "What is Medigap?", it's gap coverage.
More Info: 7 Reasons You Need Supplemental Insurance with Medicare
Is a Medicare Supplement Right for You?
Yes, if you:
- Expect the need for frequent healthcare services now and/or in the future and want to limit your deductibles and co-pays.
- Can afford the monthly premiums of Medicare Supplement insurance and don't qualify for Medicaid.
- Want the freedom to choose your doctors and other Medicare providers without network restrictions.
- Need nationwide coverage and/or travel abroad and need coverage for emergency care.
- Are in your initial enrollment period and have guaranteed issue rights to join a plan regardless of your health condition.
- Don’t want a Medicare Advantage plan and the hassle of referrals and pre-authorization to receive services.
No, if you:
- Don’t expect the need for frequent healthcare now or in the future.
- Missed your Medigap open enrollment period and can't pass medical underwriting to get the Medigap policy you want.
- Want a Medicare Advantage plan with low or no monthly premiums.
- Have Medicaid, VA, or retiree benefits that will pay for most of your Medicare out-of-pocket expenses.
- Prefer an all-in-one HMO or PPO plan that includes a Part D prescription drug plan, SilverSneakers, and routine care for dental, vision, and hearing.
- Can adhere to the rules and restrictions of a Medicare Advantage.
Benefits of a Medigap Plan in Hawaii
All Medicare Supplement insurance carriers in Hawaii are required to follow both federal and state laws designed to protect you. Insurers must offer the standardized Medigap plans identified by letters A through N.
For example, a Plan F from Aetna Medicare has exactly the same health coverage as a Plan F from Mutual of Omaha, AARP Medicare, United Healthcare, Humana, Cigna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield. This is what makes Medigap plans easier to compare vs. an HMO or PPO style plan through Medicare Advantage.
Medicare Supplement policies may include the following benefits:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up
- Part A inpatient deductible
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- Skilled nursing facility care and hospice care coinsurance
- Part B deductible
- Part B coinsurance or copayment
- Part B excess charges
- The first three pints of blood
- Foreign travel emergency services
- Out-of-pocket limits
By looking at the chart below you can easily make a Medicare Supplement plans comparison.
There are two plan types with a high-deductible option, Plan F and Plan G. If you choose this option, this means you pay all Medicare-covered out-of-pocket costs up to the annual deductible amount before your Medigap plan pays anything.
Related: 9 Facts About High Deductible Plan G and How it Works
Insurance companies are free to choose their plans, although Hawaii state laws might affect which ones they can offer. For more information, visit the Hawaii Department of Insurance website at http://cca.hawaii.gov/ins.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in Hawaii
A Medigap plan is gap coverage you can buy from a private insurance company. A Medigap policy will lower or eliminate your hospital coverage (Medicare Part A) and medical coverage (Medicare Part B) costs.
The three best-selling Medigap plans in Hawaii are Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N, the latest plan. The coverage they provide is what makes them the most popular. They offer the best protection against Original Medicare's out-of-pocket costs.
Although Plan F covers all gaps in Original Medicare, it is only available to individuals who qualified for Medicare prior to January 1, 2020.
Plan G is the best coverage you can get if you qualify for Medicare this year. It covers all gaps except the Part B annual deductible.
Plan N is the best coverage for healthy individuals. That's because it doesn't cover the Part B deductible or Medicare Part B excess charges. If you enroll in this plan, you'll pay a small $20 copayment for some doctor office visits and a $50 copayment for emergency room visits (unless admitted as an inpatient).
Looking for a different Medigap plan? Ask us for a free Medigap Rate Comparison on the plans that interest you.
Top 10 Plan F in Hawaii
Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most popular Medigap plan available in Hawaii. Here are the 10 best Plan F policies available in Hawaii based on our reviews (click for details):
Top 10 Plan G in Hawaii
Medicare Supplement Plan G is rapidly gaining popularity with Hawaii seniors. With Plan F no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries, Plan G is the new gold standard. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan G policies available in Hawaii based on our reviews (click for details):
Top 10 Plan N in Hawaii
Medicare Supplement Plan N is similar to Plan D, but covers Medicare Part B coinsurance costs differently. Due to its lower cost and good coverage, it's catching the attention of many Hawaii seniors. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan N policies available in Hawaii based on our reviews (click for details):
Cost of Medicare Supplemental Insurance in Hawaii
The Medicare.gov website shows the average cost of Medicare supplemental insurance in Hawaii on the plan finder page. What the tool does not show is the exact price, the rate increase history for Medigap plans, AM Best rating score, and household discounts.
Our FREE Medicare Supplement Plan Rate Quote Service gives you your exact cost on all carriers, discounts, ratings, rate increase history, and more.
The next step is to get a FREE Medigap Rate Comparison Report. It will arm you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison
MedicareWire is a Medicare consulting agency. We are not insurance agents. Our job is to help people navigate Medicare without marketing interference.
Our free report will show you rates from all carriers without a sales pitch. No Calls. No Email Spam. No Kidding!
If you would prefer to speak with an agent, our preferred, nationwide agency is HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Give them a call at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
How to Choose the Best Medicare Supplement For You
Everyone on Medicare has different needs. Your age, gender, Hawaii zip code, use of medical services, providers, emergency care, supplies, and durable medical equipment are all factors you need to consider. That's because all of these things play a role in your plan options.
When "Best" Means "Most Coverage Available"
If you are signing up for Medicare with chronic health issues, or if you have done a good job saving for your retirement, most experts agree that Plan G is the best option in Hawaii. It offers the most coverage you can buy if you're getting your Medicare benefits in 2023.
When "Best" Means "Good Coverage and Monthly Savings"
If you are signing up for Medicare in excellent health, or if you need good coverage but can't handle the cost of Plan G, Plan N is a good option. Plan N offers comprehensive inpatient coverage for hospital stays, while also covering most medical care expenses.
When "Best" Means "Lowest Cost Coverage"
Not everyone in Hawaii can afford or needs the comprehensive coverage provided by Plans F, G, and N. When the amount of your monthly premium is a concern, ask your insurance agent to give you advice about Plan K and High Deductible Plan G (HDG). These are the two lowest-cost plans available.
Medicare Supplemental Insurance Eligibility
You can apply for Medigap coverage in Hawaii during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Your OEP is a six-month time period that begins when you enroll in Medicare Part B at age 65.
Federal law grants you guaranteed issue rights during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. You can get the Medicare Supplement plan you want, regardless of any chronic conditions.
It is more difficult to get Medicare supplemental insurance after your Medigap open enrollment period is finished. It's one of the disadvantages of Medigap plans.
An insurance company may ask you questions about your health and charge you higher premiums. They might also reject your application because of your past health. A six-month waiting period may be offered by the carrier before coverage starts.
NOTE: If You take early retirement, Medicare eligibility does not change. Unless you have Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, the Medicare eligibility age is 65.
Hawaii Enrollment Process for Medicare Supplements
Hawaii Medigap plan enrollees require the assistance of a licensed insurance agent. Before you can apply, you need to be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. You can do this through the Social Security Administration website, or by calling them directly at 800-772-1213.
If you don't have an insurance agent, we recommend HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Call them at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711). They work with all major Hawaii plans. There's no obligation.
Another option is your local SHIP. The State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide free, one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries. Hawaii's SHIP is available by phone (1-888-875-9229; TTY 1-866-810-4379) or through their website.
Adding a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
In the past, Medicare Supplements sold in Hawaii were allowed to add extra benefits, including prescription drug coverage. This is no longer the case.
The only way to get coverage on prescriptions with a Medigap policy now is to get a Hawaii Medicare Part D plan. In most areas of Hawaii, basic prescription drug plans start at less than $20 per month.
Hawaii Medicare Supplements vs. Medicare Advantage
It's natural to compare Medicare supplemental insurance products with other health insurance plans, like Medicare Advantage. On the surface, Medicare Advantage plans appear to cost less. And, in some cases, they do save money. However, the out-of-pocket expenses in most Hawaii Medicare Advantage plans are as much or more than Original Medicare. The difference is that Medicare Advantage plans have an out-of-pocket maximum.
Can I Get a Policy If I'm On Medicaid in Hawaii?
It is not legal for a health insurance company or insurance agents licensed in Hawaii to sell individuals a Medigap policy if you have Medicaid benefits.
If you can't afford a Medigap plan or the co-insurance costs in a Medicare Advantage plan, there is a third option. Many areas of Hawaii have access to dual-eligible Medicare Special Needs Plans (D-SNP). If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, a Hawaii Special Needs Plan plan might be your best option.
What About Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefits?
We all need routine dental care and dental restoration work as we age, but it's not covered by Original Medicare or a Medigap plan. For coverage, you'll need a stand-alone Hawaii dental insurance policy.
Next Steps
The next step is to get a FREE Medigap Rate Comparison Report. It will arm you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison
MedicareWire is a Medicare consulting agency. We are not insurance agents. Our job is to help people navigate Medicare without marketing interference.
Our free report will show you rates from all carriers without a sales pitch. No Calls. No Email Spam. No Kidding!
If you would prefer to speak with an agent, our preferred, nationwide agency is HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Give them a call at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It all depends. Your age, gender, {state_code} zip code, and tobacco use all need to be factored in. You can take advantage of our Free Plan G Quote Service to find the lowest prices and discounts in your area.
You have many options in Hawaii. Here are some of the best:
- AARP
- Transamerica
- Loyal American
Citations & References
medicare.gov- Medicare.gov: the official U.S. government site for Medicare | Medicare https://www.medicare.gov/
- Medicare costs at a glance | Medicare https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/medicare-costs-at-a-glance
- Find a Medigap policy that works for you https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/medigap-home.aspx
- Drug coverage (Part D) | Medicare http://www.medicare.gov/part-d/index.html
- The United States Social Security Administration https://www.ssa.gov/
- Medicare Benefits | SSA https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/
The Medicare insurance plans and Medicare Supplement companies on this page originate from CMS Data Files. Content is maintained by David Bynon, and was last updated on .