HONOLULU — Getting a handle on Medicare and selecting the right plan can be overwhelming, but the Hawaii State Executive Office on Aging and Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program are getting a jump on Medicare’s open enrollment period by hosting several events geared toward individuals turning 65 or those already enrolled in the program.

What You Need To Know

  • Hawaii SHIP is holding informational sessions via Zoom, by phone and in-person to assist those turning 65 or who are already enrolled in Medicare

  • Medicare open enrollment is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7

  • During open enrollment, beneficiaries can join, switch or drop a Medicare plan with coverage beginning on Jan. 1, 2023

The open enrollment period begins on Oct. 15 and ends on Dec. 7. During this time, beneficiaries can join, switch or drop a Medicare plan with coverage beginning on Jan. 1, 2023.

Hawaii SHIP will hold virtual, phone and in-person sessions to assist kupuna. The program’s certified counselors are available to provide 2023 Medicare updates via free, unbiased, local, one-on-one consultations. Plan comparison specialists will also be able to help beneficiaries find the plans that best meet their health care needs.

The virtual session, Project Grad 65: A Welcome to Medicare Virtual Presentation, is slated for 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 14.

This Zoom presentation provides information about Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare basics to help those turning 65 with their initial enrollment period. It’s a joint virtual event by Hawaii SHIP and the Honolulu office of the Social Security Administration. Register.

Phone and Zoom consultations for statewide assistance are also available by calling the Hawaii SHIP Helpline, 808-586-7299 or toll-free at 1-888-875-9229 or visit the website. A Medicare counselor will contact those requesting an appointment within two to five business days.

Those interested in attending an in-person consultations are also available on Oahu should call the Hawaii SHIP Helpline, 808-586-7299 or toll-free at 1-888-875-9229 or visit the website to schedule a one-hour counseling appointment on a first-come, first serve basis on the following dates and locations:

  • 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Oct. 21 and 28, Nov. 10 and 18 - Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, 1727 Pali Hwy., Honolulu
  • 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Nov. 2 and Dec. 1 - Pearl City Public Library, 1138 Waimano Home Rd., Pearl City

Hawaii SHIP has provided local and unbiased Medicare assistance for Hawaii residents for 30 years.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.