Bill > HB1490

This bill proposes to establish a universal, single-payer health care system called "Hawaii Care" that would provide comprehensive health coverage to all Hawaii residents. The legislation creates the Hawaii Health Authority to develop and implement this system, which would replace existing health care coverage including Medicare, Medicaid, and the current Prepaid Health Care Act. The proposed system would offer an extensive range of health benefits without cost-sharing, covering everything from hospital and medical services to dental, vision, and mental health care, with an electronic insurance card provided to each resident. The bill mandates that hospitals would be funded through global budgets rather than fee-for-service models, and health care providers would be paid through standardized fee schedules. To support implementation, the bill appropriates $350,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 for administrative costs, requires the state to seek federal waivers, and sets a target implementation date of July 1, 2025. The legislation is motivated by concerns about rising health care costs, limited access to care, and the current fragmented health insurance system, with the goal of creating a more equitable, transparent, and efficient health care system that treats health care as a fundamental right for all residents.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1490&year=2026