summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
01/30/2026
01/30/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Establishes a universal, single payer health care system to be known as "Hawaii Care", to provide comprehensive health care benefits to all state residents and eventually replace all existing health care plans in the State. Designates the Hawaii Health Authority as the responsible agency for the comprehensive planning, implementation, and administration of Hawaii Care. Requires the Hawaii Health Authority to develop and submit a comprehensive implementation and administration plan to the legislature by a certain date. Establishes the Hawaii Care special fund. Requires the Hawaii Health Authority to adopt rules and submit reports to the Legislature. Requires the Governor to appoint members to the Hawaii Health Authority by 12/31/2026. Requires the Department of Human Services to apply for necessary federal waivers. Takes effect 180 days after the approval of the Hawaii Medicaid State Plan and necessary federal waivers. Appropriates funds.
AI Summary
This bill establishes "Hawaii Care," a universal, single-payer health care system for all state residents, intended to eventually replace all existing health insurance plans. The Hawaii Health Authority (Authority) will be responsible for planning, implementing, and administering this new system, and must develop a comprehensive plan for the legislature. The bill also creates a dedicated "Hawaii Care special fund" to finance the system, requires the Authority to adopt rules and submit reports, and mandates the Governor to appoint members to the Authority by December 31, 2026. Additionally, the Department of Human Services is tasked with seeking necessary federal waivers, including from Medicare and Medicaid, and the bill will take effect 180 days after the approval of the Hawaii Medicaid State Plan and relevant federal waivers, with an initial appropriation of $350,000 for the Authority's general administration.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to HLT/HSH, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 5 (on 01/30/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2143&year=2026 |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB2143_.HTM |
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