Free AARP Hawaiʻi workshops help kupuna with Medicare coverage 

Medicare beneficiaries can get help from AARP Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiʻi State Health Insurance Assistance Program to evaluate changes in their Medicare coverage in 2027 and assistance in selecting the plan that best meets their needs during Medicare Open Enrollment.

The Medicare Open Enrollment period is a yearly window from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, when people with Medicare can review and change their health and prescription drug coverage for the upcoming year. An in-person, joint AARP Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi SHIP workshop is scheduled on Maui Oct. 22, with a Zoom workshop on Nov. 6.

“It is so important to shop around. We strongly encourage everyone to review their current coverage and compare options — not just premiums, but total out-of-pocket costs, and whether their prescriptions and providers are covered. Plans change, and last year’s best choice may not be this year’s,” said Keali‘i Lopez, AARP Hawaiʻi State Director. 

The program for the in-person workshop is a one-hour presentation that will cover 2027 Medicare changes, eligibility, costs and benefits, followed by one-on-one support for attendees.

Register at the links below or go to aarp.org/local or the AARP Hawaiʻi Facebook page and click on the events tab to find and register for all the events AARP is offering. You can also call 877-926-8300 to register. You do not have to be an AARP member to attend.

AARP Hawaiʻi is part of the nonprofit side of AARP and does not sell health insurance.

Workshops for Maui Residents:

• Kīhei – Malcolm Center (Oct. 22)
  9 a.m. to noon
  Register for Kīhei
• Zoom Workshop (Nov. 6) 
  10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  Register for the Zoom Workshop