Retiring to a tropical paradise like Hawaii is a dream for millions. For those who live there already or will retire there, it’s important to have a firm grasp on the Medicare options available in the state. Read this short guide for a quick overview of the Hawaii Medicare eligibility requirements for 2023 plans.

Basics Of The Hawaii Medicare Eligibility Requirements For 2023 Plans

Most of the basics of Medicare eligibility are set at the federal level, which means that they’re uniform, which simplifies matters. Since you have to be eligible for and enrolled in Original Medicare before you can add a private insurance option, we’ll review the basics of eligibility first.

For starters, no one will become eligible for Medicare who is not either a United States citizen or a permanent legal resident. This is the most basic element of eligibility. Assuming that you meet one of these two criteria, the next step is to determine when you’ll actually enter the program - Parts A and B. This won’t happen until a life event triggers your enrollment. There are four possible triggers:

• Turning 65 years old (the most common trigger)
• Being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS)
• Being diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
• Receiving federal disability income for 24 consecutive months

In the case of ALS, ESRD, and disability, there is no minimum age requirement. So the standard entry requirement is that you be 65 years old; the other three triggers are exceptions to the rule.

If you enter Medicare early (before age 65) because of illness or disability, your entry into Medicare will be automatic. You won’t need to do anything to get in.

Your entry into Medicare at age 65 will also be automatic if you’re already getting Social Security retirement benefits. However, if you elect to delay taking Social Security retirement (many people do these days since the Social Security Full Retirement Age is between 66 and 67), you’ll have to enroll in Medicare manually. This is an easy process that can be done online, in person, or by fax.

Hawaii Medicare Eligibility Requirements For 2023 Plans - Private Insurance

Most Americans choose to add some kind of private Medicare Insurance plan to their basic coverage. While each person’s circumstances are different, most people choose to use one of the following strategies:

• Keep Original Medicare, add a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan and a Part D prescription drug plan
• Enroll in a Part C Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan (MAPD)

Federal law prohibits you from using both of these strategies; you’ll have to pick one.

In the case of Part C and Part D, Medicare Advantage and standalone Prescription Drug Plans, you’ll have no difficulties enrolling as soon as you enter Medicare, even if you’re younger than age 65. The eligibility rules for these plans match those for Original Medicare.

A difficulty can arise for people younger than 65 who want Medicare Supplement Insurance, though. Federal law only requires insurance companies to offer this coverage to people age 65 and older. In some states, people under age 65 can’t get Medicare Supplement Insurance.

However, Hawaii is one of the most generous states in the country for Medigap coverage. Hawaii requires insurance companies to offer this coverage to everyone in Medicare - even those under age 65.

Now that you’ve reviewed the Hawaii Medicare eligibility requirements for 2023 plans, you should be able to make a solid plan for your enrollment into Original Medicare.