The Best Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans in Hawaii

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is designed to help Medicare beneficiaries cover the costs of medical services and supplies that remain after Medicare reimbursement. These policies, which work alongside Medicare Part A and B, may pay for some or all of the expense of copays, co-insurance or deductibles.

Some plans also cover services that aren’t reimbursable under Original Medicare, such as medical care received while traveling outside the United States. Because Medigap plans are sold by licensed private insurers, plan terms, including coverage and cost, may vary.

Although more than 13,000 Hawaiians currently own Medigap insurance to help with the high cost of medical expenses, Medigap policyholders make up only about 9% of Medicare A and B beneficiaries in the state. If you don’t currently have this supplemental insurance but are thinking about purchasing a plan, keep reading to learn more about benefits of Medigap coverage and when you can apply.  

What Are the Best Hawaii Medicare Supplement Plans?

Hawaii’s Medicare supplement plans fall into 10 categories, which are identified simply by letters. All Medigap policies must offer the same basic benefits, including coverage of Part A coinsurance and 365 days of hospital care beyond what Original Medicare reimburses for. However, some plans may provide additional benefits, such as Part A and B deductible coverage and foreign travel exchange.

Coverage terms vary by insurer and individual policy, and depending on the plan you select, a Medigap plan may offer 100% coverage for all services or may pay only a portion of the cost. Limitations or restrictions may also apply. For a breakdown of benefits by plan type, see the chart provided.

Hawaii's Medigap plans are offered by several different private insurance companies, and each provider may offer a different selection of plans so you can find one that fits your needs and your budget. However, all companies that sell this supplemental insurance in Hawaii are required by law to offer Plans A, C and F.  

Popular Medigap Plans

The most popular Medigap plans across the country are those designated with the letters F, G and N, which tend to have lower premiums than other plans. However, it's worth noting that Plans F and G typically have a high deductible that must be met before you’re eligible for reimbursement for any expenses, and none of the three plans have out-of-pocket limits. Plan F is only available to participants who became Medicare-eligible prior to January 1, 2020.

How Do I Enroll in a Hawaii Medigap Plan?

Hawaiians who are enrolled in Original Medicare are eligible to purchase a Medigap plan to supplement their insurance. Your Medigap open enrollment period begins the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this six-month enrollment period, you’ll have full access to all plans that are available in your area, and companies must charge the same price to everyone regardless of any underlying health issues. After this period ends, insurers are allowed to use medical underwriting processes to screen applicants, which can result in higher premiums or even limit your ability to purchase a plan if you’re considered a high risk.

However, there are exceptions. Under federal law, additional Medigap protections known as guaranteed issue rights, may apply under certain circumstances. These rights require insurance companies who offer Medigap plans to sell a policy at the standard cost to any Original Medicare beneficiary regardless of their potential health risk.

The following examples are common situations in which guaranteed issue rights apply:

• Your Medicare Advantage plan is being discontinued or no longer covers care in your region, so you revert to an Original Medicare plan.
• You move out of the coverage area maintained by your Medicare Advantage plan and switch to an Original Medicare plan.
• You’re currently enrolled in Original Medicare and have an employer- or union-sponsored group health plan that pays after Medicare reimbursement, but the plan is ending.
• You have a Medicare SELECT policy to supplement Original Medicare and you move out of the service area covered by your SELECT plan.
• You lose your current Medigap coverage through no fault of your own (such as when an insurance company goes bankrupt).
• You drop your current Medigap coverage due to a company's misleading policies or terms that don't follow federal guidelines.
• You dropped your Medigap coverage to try out a Medicare Advantage Plan and reverted to Original Medicare within the year.

In most circumstances, guaranteed issue rights last no longer than 63 calendar days from the qualifying event or when your other coverage terminates. If you think you're eligible to apply for Medigap coverage under guaranteed issue rights, be sure to gather and document all relevant information.