Health Insurance Costs In Maui? (extended stay, to rent, how much)

[SellingSRQ]

Could someone tell me how much health insurance is (on average) for an individual in Hawaii. (non smoking, no pre-existing 40yrs old)

Not asking for a quote, just an idea of what people are paying.

[CyberCity]

There are many variables, in part because Hawaii has a mandatory insurance-for-full-time-workers (over 19 hrs/wk) law. So, group rates negotiated by the employer/union work to the benefit of many here. Meanwhile, for an individual, it would depend on which type of plan you wanted.

Here is HMSA's online individual rate info (the largest insurance company in Hawaii).

Here is Kaiser's instant quote link (the other big player in Hawaii).

[SellingSRQ]

Thanks! Is there a Kaiser Hospital on Maui? I thought there was only a hospital on Oahu? So if I had Kaiser and lived on Maui, what happens?

Thanks for your time.

[CyberCity]

Kaiser has clinics spread about on the neighbor islands. The hospital is on Oahu. If you need something major, they fly you there. If it is an emergency, you visit the nearest hospital, and then are transferred to Oahu if necessary. Seeing some of the specialists/etc will require going to Oahu. Hotel lodging for accompanying traveler/spouse is not provided if you have an extended stay. Personally, we do not have Kaiser in part due to the hospitalization/specialist inconvenience (I'm on the Big Island). But for some, the medical plan coverage is better for the price they are willing to pay. It is something you'll need to contact the different companies about, and do a personal comparison based upon your individual needs.

Good luck.

[SellingSRQ]

Thanks for all the info. I appreciate it. I think we would go with the HMSA. I'm leary of having to fly to Oahu just to see a specialist. I have no issues now but if I ever do, that could be a huge expense if it was for an extended period of time.

Thanks! You were very helpful

[CyberCity]

From what I've been told, Kaiser [usually? often? always?] pays for the air travel and ground transportation for the patient. But the inconvenience is something else again.

You might find yourself having to go to Oahu even with HMSA. For example, if you live in Kona and want a PET scan, you need to go to Oahu.

Heck, I know a fairly large amount of people who have ended up on the mainland for treatment for major health issues.

[SellingSRQ]

I know I have thought a lot about that. I heard of people who had to pay to rent an apt on Oahu due to treatments for a long term illness.

Do you think that the Big Island has better health care than Maui? I had heard there was a new hospital opening in Maui and was happy to hear it and then I guess the deal fell apart.

I guess we would just have to make sure we had funds available for lodging,etc.


I went to college at UH so I have lived in Hawaii before but that was a gazillion years ago.

Thanks for all your help. It's a big decision to sell my house and relocate so I have to make sure I know as much as I can before I take the plunge.

[CyberCity]

I think both Maui and the Big Island have adequate health care for the "average" situation. But on all neighbor islands, the problem is when certain equipment is needed, such as for heart surgery or PET scans or some other major specialty surgery. If the equipment is not on the island, or if there is not a medical specialist who can take care of it on the island, then the patient has to either go to Oahu (or the mainland).

An additional consideration is how far you live from the medical facilities. You can be an hour away or 5 minutes away ... it differs by location. But you'll find the same situation applies to living in rural mainland communities, also. But it is something to have an awareness of, especially if you have a current medical condition that needs close oversight.

[Oh, and not all hospitals are equal, same as everywhere else in the US. There a some hospitals I'd prefer to not have to deal with on this island, but there are also I'd prefer to not deal with even on Oahu.]

[SellingSRQ]

That is good information to consider. I know even though we are still relatively young ( early 40's) I wouldn't live in some remote area no matter where I lived.

Now I live in Florida and the hospitals are growing and improving but I don't think the hospitals around here get tied up with all the Union and pensions disputes as they do in Hawaii. It would be nice if somehow they would be able to get more hopitals in Hawaii. Privately owned hospitals would be able to bring the equipment that is needed.

When I lived on Oahu I had Kaiser but I wouldn't want to live on Oahu so I will probably go with HMSA.

Thanks again

[CyberCity]

Originally Posted by SellingSRQ

Now I live in Florida and the hospitals are growing and improving but I don't think the hospitals around here get tied up with all the Union and pensions disputes as they do in Hawaii. It would be nice if somehow they would be able to get more hopitals in Hawaii. Privately owned hospitals would be able to bring the equipment that is needed.

The unions are what help keep the level of care based on high standards. I prefer to deal with union companies/businesses/healthcare. [Exception: the Hawaii teacher's union, in which management of the union vs outcome for the children is not to my liking, but that is another topic for another thread.]