HONOLULU – HMSA announced updates to its Medicare Advantage plan offerings for 2027, including a new lower-cost plan option for eligible Oahu residents, to expand member choice and support the long-term sustainability of high-quality, locally based Medicare coverage. As part of these updates and to meet federal Medicare requirements, HMSA will close and reopen its current Akamai Advantage Complete Plus (PPO) and Standard Plus (PPO) plans effective Dec. 31, 2026.
Approximately 16,000 members currently enrolled in HMSA Complete Plus or Standard Plus must take action to enroll in the reopened plans during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. The new plans will carry the same names and offer similar comprehensive benefits. HMSA will provide personalized support and resources to help members make informed decisions and transition smoothly to their new coverage.
These changes do not impact all Medicare Advantage members. HMSA’s Akamai Advantage Complete (PPO) and Standard (PPO) plans will remain open and members enrolled in these plans will be automatically re-enrolled.
A new plan, HMSA Akamai Advantage Select Plus (HMO), will be available to eligible Oahu residents during the Annual Enrollment Period for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Designed to provide an affordable new coverage option, the plan offers a lower monthly premium, comprehensive benefits, and access to an Oahu-based provider network that supports coordinated care. For members who prefer greater flexibility in choosing their providers, HMSA will continue to offer Medicare Advantage PPO plan options.
“For many of Hawaii’s seniors, Medicare coverage is more than a health plan. It’s peace of mind,” said HMSA CEO Mark Mugiishi, M.D., F.A.C.S. “As health care costs continue to rise, we have a responsibility to make thoughtful decisions that protect the long-term availability of high-quality, locally based coverage. These updates help us continue serving our seniors and supporting their health and well-being for years to come.”
HMSA will contact affected members directly and provide personalized assistance, educational materials and enrollment support to help them understand their options and make informed coverage decisions. Members will have access to Medicare workshops, in-person guidance, and personalized phone support to help them understand their options and select the coverage that best meets their needs.
“Helping Hawaii’s seniors make confident, informed decisions about their health coverage is at the heart of HMSA’s mission,” said Kimberly Takata Endo, HMSA’s vice president of Medicare. “We’re working closely with current and prospective members to ensure they understand their options, feel confident in their choices, and have the support they need throughout the enrollment process.”
More information about HMSA’s 2027 Medicare Advantage plans, including enrollment and support resources, is available at hmsa.com/medicare. Members may also call 1-800-693-4672 or visit an HMSA Center for assistance.
About HMSA
Caring for the people of Hawaii is our promise and our privilege. Working together with employers, partners, and physicians and other health care providers, we promote well-being; develop reliable, affordable health plans; and support members with clear, thoughtful guidance. Established in 1938 by social workers, HMSA is the most experienced health plan in the state. Starting in 2025, HMSA is supporting TriWest Healthcare Alliance to administer the U.S. Department of Defense’s TRICARE program, providing health care for uniformed service members, their families, and survivors locally. With the addition of TRICARE, HMSA provides health care to nearly 1 million people in Hawaii. We embrace our responsibility as a recognized leader to strengthen the health and well-being of our community. Headquartered on Oahu with centers statewide to serve our members, HMSA is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
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