Cheapest Hawaii Health Insurance (2023 Plans)

Health insurance in Hawaii is available in different metal tiers with varying premiums, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits. Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the cheapest Catastrophic, Gold and Platinum plans. Kaiser Permanente has the most affordable Silver and Bronze plans.

KP HI Standard Silver 5800/40 from Kaiser Permanente is the cheapest Silver plan in Hawaii at an average of $430 per month.

More valuable metal tiers like Gold plans typically cost more in monthly premiums but offer more coverage.

The most affordable health insurance plans in Hawaii by metal tier are:

• Catastrophic: HMSA Catastrophic Plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($177)
• Bronze: KP HI Bronze 6500/30% from Kaiser Permanente ($330)
• Expanded Bronze: KP HI Standard Bronze 7500/50 from Kaiser Permanente ($329)
• Silver: KP HI Standard Silver 5800/40 from Kaiser Permanente ($430)
• Gold: HMSA Gold PPO II from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($439)
• Platinum: HMSA Platinum PPO from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($561)

The trade-off for paying higher premiums for metal tiers like Platinum and Gold is that you incur fewer out-of-pocket costs when you need care.

KP HI Standard Silver 5800/40 from Kaiser Permanente is the cheapest Silver plan in Hawaii at $430 per month.

If you are looking for affordable health insurance in Hawaii, the cheapest Silver plans are:

• KP HI Standard Silver 5800/40 from Kaiser Permanente: $430 per month
• KP HI Silver 4000/45 from Kaiser Permanente: $471 per month
• KP HI Silver 3000/45 from Kaiser Permanente: $482 per month

Silver plans are moderately priced and have reasonable MOOPs. If you have a low income, you may qualify for a cost-sharing reduction (CSR) with a Silver plan.

The most accessible plans in Hawaii are HMOs, which is why they are the recommendations in the table below.

The cheapest Gold plan in Hawaii is HMSA Gold PPO II from Blue Cross Blue Shield at $439 per month on average.

The three most affordable Gold plans in Hawaii are:

• HMSA Gold PPO II from Blue Cross Blue Shield: $439 per month
• KP HI Standard Gold 2000/30 from Kaiser Permanente: $464 per month
• HMSA Gold PPO I from Blue Cross Blue Shield: $484 per month

Gold plans tend to have high monthly premiums but offer comprehensive coverage with low MOOPs. They are ideal for those who need regular medical care.

The KP HI Bronze 6500/30% from Kaiser Permanente is the cheapest Bronze health insurance plan in Hawaii at $330 per month.

If you are looking for the most affordable health insurance in Hawaii, Bronze plans are a low-cost option with affordable monthly premiums. However, you will pay more to receive care when you need treatment.

Hawaii's cheapest Expanded Bronze plan is the KP HI Standard Bronze 7500/50 from Kaiser Permanente at $329 per month.

The three cheapest Expanded Bronze plans are:

• KP HI Standard Bronze 7500/50 from Kaiser Permanente: $329 per month
• HMSA Bronze PPO from Blue Cross Blue Shield: $370 per month
• KP HI Bronze 6000/65 from Kaiser Permanente: $370 per month

Expanded Bronze plans have affordable monthly premiums and more coverage than regular Bronze plans. With this plan, you will get coverage for some services before you meet the deductible.

HMSA Catastrophic Plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield is the most affordable Catastrophic plan in Hawaii at $142 per month for a 26-year-old buyer.

If you are looking for cheap health insurance in Hawaii, Catastrophic plans have the lowest premiums, but the trade-off is high deductibles. You can only qualify for a Catastrophic plan if you are under 30 or have a qualifying hardship or income exemption.

HMSA Platinum PPO from Blue Cross Blue Shield is the cheapest Platinum plan in Hawaii at an average of $561.

The three cheapest Platinum plans are:

• HMSA Platinum PPO from Blue Cross Blue Shield: $561 per month
• KP HI Standard Platinum 0/10 from Kaiser Permanente: $597 per month
• KP HI Platinum 0/5 from Kaiser Permanente: $598 per month

Platinum plans are usually the most expensive in terms of premiums, but you will pay the least out of pocket when you need treatment.

You can qualify for cost-sharing reductions in Hawaii if your income is less than 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). These reductions mean that you incur fewer out-of-pocket costs when you need care. A cost-sharing reduction (CSR) is only available with a Silver plan.

Average MOOP costs typically vary based on income. The average MOOP for the cheapest low-income plan in Hawaii varies as follows:

• Income lower than $23,445 per year (less than 150% of FPL): KP HI Standard Silver 5800/40; $1,700 MOOP.
• Income from $23,446 to $31,260 per year (151% to 200% of FPL): KP HI Standard Silver 5800/40; $3,000 MOOP
• Income from $31,261 to $54,705 per year (201% to 250% of FPL): KP HI Standard Silver 5800/40; $7,200 MOOP

These rates are for individuals, and costs may change depending on the number of people in a household.

The most common plan type in Hawaii is HMO, but the health insurance exchange also offers alternate plans.

The cheapest Silver plans in Hawaii are:

• HMO: KP HI Standard Silver 5800/40: $430 per month
• PPO: HMSA Silver PPO: $492 per month

An HMO plan is a good option if you are looking for the most affordable health insurance in Hawaii since it typically has the lowest rate. However, coverage is restricted to in-network providers except for emergencies.

A PPO plan is more expensive but offers more flexible coverage. Additionally, those who need to see a specialist are not required to obtain a referral.

The availability of health insurance plans can vary depending on where you live in Hawaii. Rates may also vary depending on the county.

The cheapest Silver plans in the largest and smallest counties in Hawaii are the following:

• Honolulu (largest county): KP HI Standard Silver 5800/40 ($430 per month)
• Kalawao (largest county): KP HI Standard Silver 5800/40 ($430 per month)

You can look up Silver plans available in your county using the table below.

Health insurance premiums in Hawaii can vary significantly depending on the metal tier you choose. Average rates for a 40-year-old for different metal tiers will vary as follows:

• Catastrophic: $177
• Bronze: $330
• Expanded Bronze: $732
• Silver: $959
• Gold: $963
• Platinum: $1,159

A more valuable metal tier like Platinum has high monthly premiums, but you will pay less when you need care. Cheaper metal tiers, such as Bronze, usually have higher MOOP limits.

Health insurance premiums typically increase with age. For instance, a Silver plan costs $685 for a young adult (around 18 years old), $1,340 for a middle-aged adult and $2,036 for a senior.

MoneyGeek gathered data from private health insurance plans to find affordable health insurance in Hawaii. Private health insurance plans are available during open enrollment and offer divergent coverage levels to suit different needs.

Other options like Medicaid for those with low income and Medicare for seniors over 65 are also available. These are cheaper options, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

In Hawaii, you can enroll in a private health insurance plan during the open enrollment period. This period typically runs from November 1 to January 15.

You can enroll in a new plan, un-enroll or change to a different plan during open enrollment. However, if you want your plan to take effect at the beginning of the year — for example, January 2024, without any coverage gaps, you must enroll before December 15, 2023.

MoneyGeek’s analysis found that six metal tiers are available in Hawaii: Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

• Catastrophic: This tier is available to individuals under 30 or those with an eligible hardship or income exemption. This tier has the lowest premiums, but maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits are very high. This plan suits those who need emergency coverage and do not require routine care.
• Bronze: This tier features affordable premiums, but you will incur high costs when you need treatment. MOOPs are typically high, so this plan is best for those in good health and unlikely to require routine care.
• Expanded Bronze: Plans in this tier offer more coverage than standard Bronze plans and will pay for some services before you meet your deductible.
• Silver: These midtier plans feature reasonable premiums and MOOPs. Cost-sharing reductions are available with Silver plans for low-income individuals, meaning individuals will pay lower deductibles and copays.
• Gold: This tier features high monthly premiums but low MOOP costs. Gold plans are best for those who need regular care and can afford the high premiums.
• Platinum: This tier is the most expensive in terms of premiums but features the lowest MOOP limit. This plan is ideal if you anticipate needing more medical attention.

Medicaid is a federal assistance program that provides eligible low-income individuals and families with health insurance coverage. Medicaid in Hawaii has expanded so individuals can qualify based on income alone if their income falls between 138% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Hawaii residents over 65 and those with a qualifying disability or illness are eligible for Medicare. This is a federal health insurance program that helps beneficiaries cover the costs of medical care. Medicare is divided into three parts:

• Medicare Part A involves any in-hospital expenses, like inpatient hospital care, home health care or hospice care.
• Medicare Part B covers any medical-related expenses like medical supplies, doctors’ services or preventative services.
• Medicare Part D pays for approved prescription drugs.

MoneyGeek analyzed the best Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement to help you find the best options.

When shopping for health insurance in Hawaii, you may have questions about costs and availability. MoneyGeek answered frequently asked questions to help you learn more.