Bill > HB1546

This bill establishes a three-year Health Coverage Continuity Pilot Program within the Department of Human Services to help individuals in Hawaii who have lost their Medicaid health insurance and cannot get other coverage, such as through an employer under the Hawaii Prepaid Health Care Act. The program offers two options: for those who qualify for federal advance premium tax credits (financial assistance to help pay for health insurance premiums for those with incomes below a certain level), they can enroll in silver level plans on the federally facilitated marketplace, with the state covering the difference between the plan cost and what they can afford; for those who do not qualify for federal tax credits and have a high-deductible health plan (a plan with lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs when care is needed), the state will provide an annual subsidy of $1,000 to cover preventive services. The Department of Human Services can contract with a nonprofit insurer or community organization to run the program, may issue premium subsidies or vouchers, and must seek federal funding and waivers. The program will sunset on June 30, 2029, and the Department is required to report to the Legislature annually on its progress, with an appropriation of funds to implement it.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Health and Social Services, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1546&year=2026