I am a resident of Hawaii and I am over 65. How do I enroll in Medicare?

Social Security Office Locator, just type in your zip code and find the office nearest you.

What does Original Medicare pay for?


The Medicare Rights Center has created a chart that outlines all of your out of pocket costs under Original Medicare. These are your costs if you only have Original Medicare and if you have not purchased a Medicare plus Choice plan or a Medigap.

The Medicare Coverage Database tool will tell you if Medicare will cover particular health services. Simply choose your state, then choose the health service you are researching.

I can't afford to pay all of those out of pocket costs. What are my options for getting additional coverage?

Medicare Personal Plan Finder tool will provide you with a list of Medicare health plan choices in the geographic area you specify, along with benefit descriptions and other information to help you choose the plan that’s best for you. Just complete the required information and click the "Find a Plan" button that will appear when you are done.

If you join an HMO or a PPO, you must see the doctors who are in their networks and go to the hospitals and other facilities in their networks.

I want to have the freedom to see my own doctors. Is there another kind of supplemental coverage?

Yes, Medigap plans allow you to see any doctor who has NOT opted out of the Original Medicare program.

There are 10 federally standardized Medigap insurance plans, plans A-J. This chart shows the standardized benefits you get with each "letter" plan.

The best way to access information regarding Medigap plans in Hawaii is by calling 1-888-875-9229 - the Hawaii State Health Insurance Counseling Program (SAGE PLUS). Sage PLUS provides statewide health insurance information counseling and referrals to people 60 years or older, their families and caregivers. Trained volunteer counselors provide consultations and presentations at no charge to the public.

I don't want to be confined to the networks of the Medicare + Choice plans and I can't afford the monthly premium for the Medigap. Are there other options for assistance with my prescription drug costs?

Hawaii Rx Plus is a prescription drugs assistance program and has a nonexclusive list of drugs to be covered under the program. The program limits participation to residents of the State of Hawaii who have a family income equal to or less than 350 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), who lack prescription drug coverage, and who enroll in the Hawaii Rx Plus program.

Isn't the Medicare Reform Bill going to help me pay for my prescription drugs?

Click here for news regarding prescription drug benefits for seniors.

Starting in 2004, Medicare-approved drug discount cards will be available for immediate savings on prescription drugs. Medicare will contract with private companies to offer new, voluntary drug discount cards. A Medicare-approved drug discount card offers a discount off the full retail price of prescriptions. Savings are estimated to be 10-25% on many drugs. These voluntary cards are being offered until December 31, 2005, when this program ends and the new comprehensive prescription drug benefit begins. Please access this site to find out if you qualify for the card or for the $600 credit.

The Medicare Rights Center answers all of your questions about the new Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Cards.

The Medicare Rights Center compares all of your prescription drug options for you. Check out this chart to find out which one is the best deal for you.

This chart created by the Medicare Rights Center offers information provided by the companies in December 2001. Before joining, call for updated information and carefully review all enrollment materials.

What will my prescription drug costs be after 2006?

The New Medicare Drug Benefit: How Much Will You Pay? Families USA estimates what you'll pay for prescription drugs under the new benefit.

Assistance for Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries

Hawaii Med-QUEST information regarding Medicaid eligibility for people over 65.

Are there other resources for access to health care resources for Seniors?

This site provides information about the Executive Office of Aging, which coordinates a comprehensive range of social, health and long-term care services, which are designed to enhance the independence and self-reliance of persons who are no longer able to care for themselves.