Best Hawaii Health Insurance (2024 Plans)

Kaiser Permanente has the best health insurance in Hawaii, with a MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100. It gives members affordable plan options, keeps out-of-pocket costs low and has fewer claim denials compared to others.

Our analysis looked at four Silver plans in Hawaii, including both HMO and PPO types.

Kaiser Permanente has the best health insurance in Hawaii for low out-of-pocket costs, with a MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100. The company offers competitive rates, keeps out-of-pocket costs low and has better-than-average claim denial rates.

For this evaluation, we analyzed six Gold and three Platinum plans, including HMO and PPO types.

Kaiser Permanente earned a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100, making it the best cheap health insurance provider in Hawaii. It offers plans with more affordable rates and lower average out-of-pocket expenses. It also denies fewer claims compared to other providers.

For this analysis, MoneyGeek looked at four Silver plans in Hawaii — three HMO plans and one PPO plan. We based our evaluation more on plans with lower monthly premiums. Note that it is common for plans with lower premiums to have higher out-of-pocket costs.

Kaiser Permanente provides the best health insurance in Hawaii for those with low income, scoring 74 out of 100. It offers low premium rates and does not deny many claims but has a higher-than-average maximum out-of-pocket cost.

In Hawaii, we evaluated three Silver CSR HMO plans and one Silver CSR PPO plan. We placed more importance on plans with low monthly premiums and focused on plans with cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) to find the best option for individuals with low income. These CSRs can make your out-of-pocket costs, like deductibles, lower. A typical Silver plan usually pays about 70% of health care costs, but CSR Silver plans can differ.

• If you earn between $31,260 and $39,075 per year (201%–250% of the Federal Poverty Level), you get about 73% of your health insurance costs covered.
• If you make between $23,445 and $31,260 per year (151%–200% of the FPL), about 87% of your health care costs are covered.
• If your income is below $23,445 per year (up to 150% of the FPL), then 94% of your health care costs can be covered.

These income numbers change if you have more or fewer people in your household.

Blue Cross Blue Shield provides the best health insurance in Hawaii for young adults, with a MoneyGeek score of 70 out of 100. The provider offers affordable plans, has lower out-of-pocket costs and processes claims at about the same rate as the competition.

For this category, we evaluated one Bronze HMO plan, two Expanded Bronze HMO plans, two Expanded Bronze PPO plans and one Catastrophic PPO plan. Note that only individuals under the age of 30 can buy Catastrophic coverage.

Health insurance companies have different kinds of plans. In Hawaii, there are one Silver PPO and three Silver HMO plans available. The best providers for each plan category in Hawaii are:

• PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield (MoneyGeek score: 100 out of 100)
• HMO: Kaiser Permanente (MoneyGeek score: 100 out of 100)

MoneyGeek's recommendations focused on Silver plans. These plans are popular because they balance the monthly cost and what a person pays when they get medical services. Silver plans are helpful for people who see the doctor or need health care more often.

Your needs and financial situation will determine which health insurance is best for you. People who need ongoing medical treatment will need more coverage than those who infrequently use medical services. Choose health insurance that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Those in Hawaii who are 65 years of age or older or who have a qualifying disease or disability may be eligible for Medicare. Medicare is health insurance provided by the federal government at a rate typically lower than that offered by private companies.

Medicare differs from Medicaid, as Medicare has a premium. Medicare may still provide people with more health care options, allowing them to choose a plan that best fits their requirements and their budget. Medicare has three parts:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): This covers in-hospital expenses, such as inpatient hospital care, home health care or hospice care.
• Part B (Medical Insurance): This includes medical supplies, doctors’ services, preventative services and other medical-related expenses.
• Part D (Prescription drug coverage): This covers prescription drugs and vaccines.

We also provide more information on finding the best Hawaii Medicare Supplement plans and the top Medicare Advantage plans in Hawaii.

In Hawaii, Medicaid is expanded, so individuals can qualify based on their income alone. Those in Hawaii who earn less than 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may be eligible for Medicaid. For example, a person with a family of four can qualify for Medicaid if their income is below $3,208 per month.

Finding an ideal health insurance plan can be complicated due to concerns about price and availability. MoneyGeek answers some frequently asked questions to help you research options.