Compare Your Medicare Options in Hawaii
Every Medicare beneficiary in Hawaii faces this choice. Here's how the three paths stack up.
Original Medicare + Medigap
Plan G or Plan N + standalone Part D
Medicare Advantage
All-in-one plan replaces Original Medicare
Original Medicare Only
Parts A & B with no supplement
Any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, nationwide
Limited to plan's network. Out-of-network care may not be covered or costs significantly more
Any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, nationwide
Full coverage anywhere in the U.S. See any Medicare provider on the mainland, neighbor islands, or while traveling
Limited or no coverage outside the plan's service area. Emergency-only in most cases when off-island
Covered anywhere Medicare is accepted, but you pay 20% coinsurance with no cap
None required. See any specialist directly
Often required. Plan may deny or delay services pending approval
None required
Predictable costs. Plan G: you pay the annual Part B deductible, then Medigap covers the rest. No surprises
Required by CMS. In Hawaii, typically $5,100-$9,250/year depending on plan. You could owe up to this amount
No cap. Medicare has no out-of-pocket maximum. A serious illness could cost tens of thousands
Part B premium + Medigap premium (varies by age, carrier, plan). Higher monthly cost, but lower risk
Part B premium + plan premium (often $0-$50/month). Lower monthly cost, but higher potential out-of-pocket
Part B premium only. Lowest monthly cost, but highest financial risk
Separate standalone Part D plan required. You choose the plan that best covers your specific medications
Usually built in (MAPD). Convenient, but formulary is locked to that one plan
Must enroll in a standalone Part D plan or face a late enrollment penalty
Highly predictable. You know your monthly cost and exposure is minimal beyond that
Variable. Copays, coinsurance, and deductibles vary by service. Costs depend on how much care you use
Unpredictable. You're responsible for 20% of all Part B services with no limit
Standardized by federal law. Plan G is Plan G regardless of carrier. Benefits don't change year to year
Plans can change benefits, networks, formularies, and costs every year. Your plan this year may look different next year
Original Medicare benefits are set by CMS. Stable, but no supplemental protection
🏥 Doctor Choice
✈️ Off-Island & Mainland Coverage
📋 Referrals & Prior Authorization
🛡️ Out-of-Pocket Maximum
💲 Monthly Premium
💊 Prescription Drug Coverage
📊 Cost Predictability
🔄 Plan Stability
Medigap may be right for you if:
- You want to see any doctor or specialist without restrictions
- You travel to the mainland or neighbor islands regularly
- You want predictable, low out-of-pocket costs
- You prefer choosing your own Part D plan based on your medications
- You value plan stability that doesn't change year to year
Medicare Advantage may work if:
- You're comfortable staying within a provider network
- You rarely travel off-island
- You want the convenience of medical and drug coverage in one plan
- You prefer a lower monthly premium and are willing to accept variable costs
Original Medicare alone is risky because:
- There is no out-of-pocket maximum. One hospital stay could cost thousands
- You're responsible for 20% of every Part B service, indefinitely
- Most financial advisors and Medicare counselors recommend supplemental coverage
Medicare Advantage Plans Available in Hawaii
Real plan data from CMS for the 2026 plan year. Select your county to see what's available.
| Plan | Carrier | Type | Monthly Premium | Max Out-of-Pocket | Star Rating |
|---|
Source: CMS CY2026 Landscape data. Premiums shown are the total monthly plan premium (Part C + Part D) beyond the standard Part B premium of $202.90/month that all Medicare beneficiaries pay. Plan details change annually during open enrollment.
No Matter Which Path You Choose, Part D Matters
Formularies change every year
The drugs covered by your Part D plan, and what you pay for them, can change every January 1st. A plan that was perfect last year might not cover your medications the same way this year.
The wrong plan costs real money
Choosing a Part D plan without analyzing your specific medications can mean paying hundreds or even thousands more per year than necessary.
Tier placement matters
The same drug can be Tier 2 (low cost) on one plan and Tier 4 (high cost) on another. A professional analysis compares your exact medications across every available plan.
The $2,100 cap changes the math
The Inflation Reduction Act capped Part D out-of-pocket costs. This is good news, but it also changes which plans make the most sense for different medication profiles.
Not Sure Which Path Is Right for You?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call. We'll look at your situation, your medications, and your priorities to help you figure out the best option.
Schedule a Free Discovery Call