Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Hawaii (2026)

Key Takeaways

There are five Medicare Advantage providers in Hawaii with 24 total plans available in HMO and PPO network structures.

Humana is the best Medicare Advantage HMO provider in Hawaii, while UnitedHealthcare has the best PPO plans.

When comparing Medicare Advantage plans in Hawaii, it’s important to consider more than just the monthly premium. Check if your preferred doctors are in-network, understand how the plan covers your prescription medications and consider how much you’re willing to spend on out-of-pocket costs.

Best Medicare Advantage Providers in Hawaii

Hawaii residents have a variety of Medicare Advantage options, each with different coverage levels, provider networks, and costs. We evaluated the best Hawaii Medicare Advantage providers by plan type based on CMS star ratings, monthly premiums, and out-of-pocket limits.

For seniors looking to minimize monthly costs, Humana offers a $0 premium HMO plan with a 3.5-star rating and an average MOOP of $5,900, combining affordability with solid coverage. UnitedHealthcare is the best option for PPO plans, featuring a 4.0-star rating and averaging $46 per month with a $6,700 out-of-pocket maximum.


HMO	Humana	3.50	$0	$5,900	Humana Gold Plus H0028-082 (HMO)
PPO	UnitedHealthcare	4.00	$46	$6,700	AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC HI-5 (PPO)

Medicare Advantage Plans Explained

Medicare Advantage plans work differently than Original Medicare by bundling hospital and medical coverage through private insurance companies. Island residents can access plans that include dental, vision and prescription drugs that traditional Medicare doesn't cover.

CMS Star Ratings: These ratings help you compare plan quality using a 1 to 5-star system. Plans earn stars based on how well they serve members and coordinate care.
Monthly premiums: You'll pay your regular Part B premium plus any extra plan costs. Some Medicare Advantage plans charge $0 additional monthly fees beyond your Part B payment.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits: This annual cap protects you from unlimited medical expenses each year. Your plan covers all remaining costs for covered services once you reach this limit.
Prescription drug coverage: Most plans bundle medication coverage directly into your benefits package. Check that your prescriptions appear on the plan's approved drug list before enrolling.

Humana

Best HMO

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
3.5
Plan Types
HMO, PPO

pros
- HMO plans earn 3.5-star CMS rating
- Three of five plans charge $0 monthly premium
- Enhanced Part D drug coverage in all plans
cons
- Out-of-pocket maximums span $5,900 to $6,750
Humana’s HMO plan in Hawaii stands out for seniors seeking affordable, reliable coverage. The plan earns a 3.5-star CMS rating, includes enhanced Part D prescription drug coverage, and charges $0 monthly premiums.

For members seeking more flexibility, Humana also offers four PPO plans with a 3.5-star CMS rating. These plans, led by the HumanaChoice H5216-313 (PPO) plan, provide broader networks and enhanced Part D coverage, giving seniors the option to see out-of-network providers.

UnitedHealthcare

Best PPO

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
4.0
Plan Types
PPO

pros
- Strong 4-star CMS rating
- Nationwide provider access without referrals
- Basic and Enhanced drug benefits
cons
- Only has PPO plans available
- Out-of-network care costs more
UnitedHealthcare is the top choice for PPO coverage in Hawaii, with six options available. The AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC HI-5 plan has the best value at $45 per month and caps annual out-of-pocket costs at $6,700. Its 4-star CMS rating reflects strong performance and high member satisfaction.

The PPO structure is flexible, allowing seniors to see any Medicare-approved provider without referrals, which is important in a state made up of multiple islands.

Best Hawaii HMO Medicare Advantage Providers

Most of Hawaii’s five HMO Medicare Advantage plans carry monthly premiums, with only one offering a $0 monthly cost. Seniors in the state can choose between two providers, and out-of-pocket maximums range from $5,100 to $7,750, averaging $6,320 annually. Quality is strong, with an average CMS rating of 4.3 stars and four plans earning 4 stars or higher. All plans include enhanced Part D prescription drug coverage.

Humana offers one plan with a 3.5-star rating, charging $0 per month with a $5,900 average MOOP limit.
Kaiser Permanente earns 4.5 stars across 4 plans, averaging $143 monthly with $6,425 maximum out-of-pocket costs.


Humana	3.50	$0	$5,900	1	5.00
Kaiser Permanente	4.50	$143	$6,425	4	4.75

HMO PROS AND CONS

HMO Medicare Advantage plans offer affordable premiums and coordinated care, making them attractive for Hawaii residents seeking predictable healthcare costs. But you'll need to stay within the plan's provider network and get referrals to see specialists. These plans work well if you're comfortable having a primary care doctor coordinate your care and don't regularly need out-of-network providers.

Best Hawaii PPO Medicare Advantage Providers

PPO plans in Hawaii offer greater network flexibility but generally come with higher costs. The state has 19 PPO options from four providers, averaging $36 per month, though seven plans charge $0 premiums. Out-of-pocket maximums are higher due to out-of-network coverage, averaging $6,634 and ranging from $5,100 to $8,300. These plans earn an average 3.63-star CMS rating, with most plans rated 3.5 stars.

UnitedHealthcare is the best Medicare Advantage PPO provider in Hawaii with five plans earning 4.0 stars, though $46 monthly premiums are higher than most competitors and maximum out-of-pocket costs average $6,700.
Humana offers four plans at $16 monthly premiums with $6,135 average MOOP, earning lower 3.5-star CMS ratings.
Devoted Health provides six plans averaging $17 per month, also rated 3.5 stars, though $7,133 maximum costs rank among the highest in the state.


UnitedHealthcare	4.00	$46	$6,700	5	5.00
Humana	3.50	$16	$6,135	4	4.50
Devoted Health	3.50	$17	$7,133	6	3.77
HMSA Akamai Advantage	3.50	$86	$6,400	4	3.58

PPO PROS AND CONS

PPO Medicare Advantage plans cost more through higher premiums and out-of-pocket maximums, but you're paying for complete provider freedom. You can visit any Medicare-approved doctor without referrals and access both in-network and out-of-network care, though out-of-network services cost extra. These plans are helpful for travelers, people with established doctor relationships or anyone who wants direct specialist access.

How to Find the Best Hawaii Medicare Advantage Plans

Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Hawaii means considering preferred doctors, prescription medications and total health care costs.

1
Check Your Doctor and Hospital Network
Before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan in Hawaii, confirm your current doctors, specialists and preferred hospitals participate in the plan's network. HMO plans limit you to in-network providers except for emergencies, while PPO plans allow out-of-network access at higher costs. Learn more about health insurance network types to understand these differences.
2
Compare Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs
Don't focus only on monthly premiums. Consider your total potential spending by examining maximum out-of-pocket costs, which represent the most you'll pay annually for covered services. A plan with a $0 premium but $7,833 maximum out-of-pocket costs might exceed a $29 premium plan capped at $6,750 if you require regular medical care.
3
Review Prescription Drug Coverage
Verify your medications appear on the plan's drug formulary and check which cost tier they're assigned to. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D drug coverage, though some require you to purchase it separately. Higher tiers mean higher out-of-pocket costs for your medications.
4
Evaluate Additional Benefits
Look for dental care, vision services, hearing aids, gym memberships and transportation to medical appointments. Compare which supplemental benefits each plan provides and match them to your specific health and wellness needs, as these offerings vary between plans.
5
Consider CMS Star Ratings
Review each plan's CMS star rating, which measures quality and performance on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Plans earning 4 or 5 stars offer superior customer service, coordinated care and better health outcomes.

Average Hawaii Medicare Advantage Cost

Medicare Advantage costs in Hawaii vary based on plan type and insurer. PPO plans have the lowest median monthly premiums at $20, though the average is $36, with a $6,634 maximum out-of-pocket limit. HMO plans in the state carry higher upfront costs, with a $160 median premium and $114 average monthly premium, but offer slightly stronger financial protection with a $6,320 MOOP.


HMO	$160	$114	$6,320
PPO	$20	$36	$6,634

Best Hawaii Medicare Advantage: FAQ

Get answers about Hawaii Medicare Advantage coverage:

When can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, enrollment is available during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan. 1 to March 31). You can also enroll during a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify due to circumstances like relocating or losing other coverage.

Does Medicare Advantage cover prescription drugs in Hawaii?

Yes, most Medicare Advantage plans in Hawaii include prescription drug coverage. Before enrolling, confirm your medications are listed on the plan's formulary and review their tier placement, which directly impacts your out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy.

Do I need to change Medicare Advantage plans if I move to a different county in Hawaii?

Yes, moving to a different county in Hawaii can impact your Medicare Advantage plan availability since provider networks are location-specific. Contact your plan within 30 days of relocating to verify coverage in your new area and explore using a Special Enrollment Period if needed.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Hawaii Medicare Advantage Plans

MoneyGeek assessed Medicare Advantage plans in Hawaii using three core criteria:

Affordability (50%): Costs account for half the total score because they influence your spending. We analyzed combined monthly premiums for Part C and Part D coverage (weighted at 30%) and in-network maximum out-of-pocket limits (weighted at 20%). Plans with lower premiums and MOOP thresholds score higher by reducing annual health care expenses.
Star Ratings (40%): CMS star ratings evaluate plan performance in care quality, customer service and member experience. The Overall Star Rating merges Part C (medical benefits) and Part D (prescription drug coverage) scores into one rating on a 1 to 5-star scale. Higher-rated plans score better in our evaluation.
Availability (10%): We consider each insurer's coverage area across the United States. Providers serving more states score higher, as broader availability indicates more robust infrastructure, better support and better continuity if you relocate.

These factors create a fair comparison of Medicare Advantage plans, weighing costs against care quality and service.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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