Medicare: Hawaii beneficiaries have until February to replace terminating plans

Medicare Advantage members in Hawaii who received a letter stating their plan will not renew for 2027 must act by February 28 to keep continuous coverage. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requires insurers to notify members of plan terminations by the end of September. Those who miss the deadline risk losing prescription drug coverage entirely as they move into the new calendar year.

The replacement period for terminated plans runs from October 15 through February 28. This timeframe is longer than the standard Annual Enrollment Period, which ends on December 7. The extended window allows beneficiaries to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare Parts A and B. Those returning to Original Medicare can also add a separate Part D drug plan and a Medigap supplement policy.

If a beneficiary does not select a new plan before December 31, they will lose their prescription drug coverage starting January 1. Under Original Medicare alone, enrollees pay 100% of the cost for Part D prescriptions. They also face standard deductibles and coinsurance for Part A and Part B services. This gap in coverage creates an immediate financial obligation for individuals managing chronic conditions or taking daily medications.

Hawaii’s State Health Insurance Program, or SHIP, offers free, volunteer counseling to help seniors review their options. The office can be reached at 1-888-875-9229. Counselors assist beneficiaries in comparing plan benefits, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs. This service is available regardless of the specific plan a member is considering for 2027.

The standard Annual Enrollment Period is still open for all Medicare beneficiaries, even those whose current plans are being renewed. From October 15 through December 7, enrollees can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. New coverage selected during this period becomes effective on January 1. Beneficiaries who are satisfied with their current plan do not need to submit any paperwork to remain enrolled.

There are four primary methods to enroll in a new plan. Beneficiaries can call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They may also schedule an appointment with a licensed Medicare agent. Alternatively, individuals can contact the sales team of the specific insurance plan by phone or complete the enrollment process through the plan’s website. Each method requires the beneficiary to provide their Medicare number and confirm their effective date.

Martha Khlopin, a Honolulu-based health insurance advisor, notes that the volume of competing plans can overwhelm consumers. She recommends that beneficiaries read all fall correspondence from their insurers carefully. This includes letters that confirm a plan’s renewal, as these notices often contain updated premium amounts and benefit changes. The insurance industry expects a high volume of calls and online enrollments during the October and November months as the year-end deadline approaches.