Hawaii is one of the most linguistically diverse states in the nation — a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. From ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi to Tagalog, Japanese, Ilocano, Samoan, and more, many residents speak more than one language, and for some, English is not their first.
To make sure everyone can access the care and information they deserve, Medicare offers free language and accessibility services to help all beneficiaries understand their coverage and benefits. Whether you’re a recent immigrant, a senior who feels more comfortable in another language, or someone with a disability, help is available — in your language and your preferred format.
If English isn’t your first language, Medicare provides interpreters and translation services — all at no cost to you. These services make it easier to get accurate information about your health coverage, enrollment, and benefits.
You can reach Medicare support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on some federal holidays).
Here’s how to get help:
📞 Call: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
📠 TTY users: 1-877-486-2048
🗣️ Ask: for an interpreter in your preferred language
You’ll be connected with someone who speaks your language and can explain your Medicare options, coverage, and any forms or notices you’ve received.
This is especially important for Hawaii’s kupuna (elders) and families who want to make sure they fully understand their healthcare rights and choices.
Medicare also ensures that beneficiaries with visual, hearing, or other accessibility needs can get information in a way that works best for them.
Free accessibility services include:
These accessible formats are provided without delay, and beneficiaries receive extra time to respond if there are any mailing or processing delays.
If you need accessible materials or have trouble reading or understanding Medicare documents, you can reach out for help at:
📞 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
📠 TTY: 1-877-486-2048
For Health Insurance Marketplace inquiries:
📞 1-800-318-2596
📠 TTY: 1-855-889-4325
📧 Email: altformatrequest@cms.hhs.gov
📠 Fax: 1-844-530-3676
Mailing Address:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Offices of Hearings and Inquiries (OHI)
7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop DO-01-20
Baltimore, MD 21244-1850
Attn: Customer Accessibility Resource Staff
In addition to national services, local organizations in Hawaii offer hands-on support for interpreting and accessibility needs. These community programs ensure that every resident — regardless of language or ability — can access healthcare services confidently and comfortably.
Here are some trusted local resources:
These local programs work alongside Medicare and community health organizations to ensure equal access to information, care, and support — no matter your language, ability, or background.
Language shouldn’t be a barrier to healthcare — especially in a state as diverse as Hawaii. With over 130 languages spoken across the islands, accessibility is more than a service — it’s a reflection of aloha, respect, and inclusion.
Medicare’s language and accessibility programs help protect those values by ensuring that all residents — from Honolulu to Hilo, Kauaʻi to Molokaʻi — can get the information and care they deserve.
Whether you speak Ilocano, Vietnamese, Marshallese, or Hawaiian, help is available. By spreading awareness of these resources, we can help our kūpuna and families make informed healthcare choices and keep Hawaii’s communities healthy and connected.
