Maui Medicare Update

Changes to HMSA Medicare Advantage Plans in 2027

What Maui members need to know before December 7

Shop 2027 plans online

HMSA is ending two of its Akamai Advantage PPO plans on December 31, 2026, including Standard Plus, its plan for the neighbor islands. If you're on Maui and got a letter from HMSA, here's what it means and how to choose your coverage for 2027.

Written by

Madison Parker

Independent Health and Life Insurance Broker, Ask The Medicare Guys

Updated October 2026

What HMSA is changing

HMSA has started mailing certified letters to members of two PPO plans that won't be offered in 2027. Akamai Advantage Complete Plus is sold on Oahu. Akamai Advantage Standard Plus is sold on the neighbor islands, including Maui.

HMSA says rising healthcare costs drove the decision, and that it isn't leaving the Medicare Advantage market.

You may also see news about HMSA's new Select Plus HMO. It's offered only on Oahu, so it isn't an option for Maui residents.

What happens if you do nothing

• On January 1, you'll be in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) instead of a Medicare Advantage plan.
• You won't have prescription drug coverage. If you go 63 days or more without creditable drug coverage, you may owe a Part D late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare drug coverage.
• Original Medicare has no yearly limit on what you pay out of pocket, and it doesn't cover most dental, vision, or hearing care.

Your options for 2027

Statewide, CMS reports 46 Medicare Advantage plans available in Hawaii for 2027, up from 44 in 2026, plus 8 standalone drug plans. Not every plan is offered on Maui, so start by seeing which ones serve your ZIP code.

1. Choose another Medicare Advantage plan

   Pick a new plan from HMSA or another carrier. Most Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage. Compare provider networks, drug lists, and out-of-pocket maximums before you enroll.

   Compare Medicare Advantage plans

2. Switch to Original Medicare with a Medigap policy and a drug plan

   Because your plan is ending, you have a guaranteed right to buy certain Medigap policies. The insurance company can't turn you down or charge you more because of your health. That right covers Plans A, B, D, and G, plus Plans C and F if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. You'd add a standalone Part D plan for prescriptions.

   Compare Medigap and drug plans

3. Keep Original Medicare and add only a drug plan

   You'd pay your share of Medicare-covered care, usually 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most Part B services after the deductible, with no yearly cap.

   Compare drug plans

Key dates

1. Oct. 15, 2026
   Annual Enrollment opensYou can enroll in a new plan for 2027.
2. Dec. 7, 2026
   Annual Enrollment endsChoose by this date so your new plan starts January 1.
3. Dec. 8, 2026 to
   Feb. 28, 2027
   Special Enrollment PeriodBecause your plan isn't renewing, you get extra time to choose a new plan. Coverage generally starts the first of the month after you enroll, so waiting past December can leave a gap.
4. Dec. 31, 2026
   Your current plan ends
5. Jan. 1, 2027
   New coverage startsIf you didn't choose a plan, you're in Original Medicare with no drug coverage.
6. Mar. 4, 2027
   Medigap guaranteed right endsThat's 63 days after your plan ends. Apply earlier so your policy can start January 1.

Your HMSA notice lists the dates and rights that apply to you. Keep it handy.

Before you shop, gather these

• Your HMSA letter and its envelope. Medicare recommends keeping notices like this, along with the postmarked envelope, as proof your coverage is ending. You may need them for a Medigap application.
• Your prescriptions, including doses and the pharmacy you use.
• Your doctors, specialists, and hospitals, including any you see on Oahu or the mainland.
• How often you travel off Maui. Network rules differ between plan types, especially for care away from home.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• Hawaii Tribune-Herald: HMSA revamping Medicare Advantage plans
• Civil Beat: HMSA's Medicare changes could increase costs for thousands
• CMS: 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D state fact sheets
• Medicare.gov: Special Enrollment Periods
• Medicare.gov: Choosing a Medigap Policy (2026)
• Medicare.gov: Avoid late enrollment penalties
• Hawaii Executive Office on Aging: Hawaii SHIP