Hawaii Senior Health Insurance
Explore Your Options
Most people can only dream about vacationing to the beautiful state of Hawaii. If you are lucky enough to live there or move there for retirement, it’s important that you know your Senior Health Insurance options. Residents of Hawaii who decide to work after Medicare eligible age (65), often opt to keep the health insurance coverage from their employer. Hawaii state law requires employers to offer health insurance benefits to employees who work 20 or more hours per week. However, this doesn’t always mean it’s the best option for you. Before deciding to stay on your employer plan or going with a Medicare Supplemental option make sure you have a Senior Health Insurance Specialist at MySeniorHealthPlan.com compare your options.
Similar to most states, Hawaiians can enroll into a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap), a Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). Let’s explore these options.
Medicare Supplement Plans are standardized by the government and do not vary in coverage between carriers. They are designed to help cover coinsurance, deductibles and co-pays. The monthly premium is based on the state where you live but the benefits can be used nationwide. If you often travel to the main land, this might be an important benefit to consider. Medicare Supplements are non-network based; giving you the freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare. Medicare Supplement Plans do not include Prescription Drug coverage, bringing us to your next option.
Prescription Drug Plans are stand-alone plans that offer different levels of coverage depending on the prescriptions you are taking. Not taking any prescriptions? Most people still sign up for a PDP to avoid the penalty for not having credible drug coverage or to make sure they are covered should they need to take prescriptions in the future. If you need Extra Help paying for your prescriptions please click here. To learn more about the penalty please call MySeniorHealthPlan.com or click here.
Medicare Advantage Plans are network-based plans that hold an annual contract with CMS, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services. Unlike most states that follow the county-based model, Hawaii follows a geographic service model. Different plan options are available in the different service areas. Even with Hawaii’s smaller population there are still over 100 different Medicare Advantage Plans available in that state. To find out what plans are available in your area call My Senior Health Plan.com.
Now that you understand what plan types are available, you are ready to compare different options. Unlike a group employer plan or Cobra plan, Medicare supplemental options are very individualized. The perfect fit for you will most likely not be the perfect fit for your neighbor. By calling MySeniorHealthPlan.com, we can walk you through the process and make sure you feel confident in your senior healthcare decision.
Senior Resources:
Medicare: www.medicare.gov
Hawaii Department of Aging: http://health.hawaii.gov/eoa/
Hawaii Department of Human services: http://humanservices.hawaii.gov/
