Don’t go without health care coverage

Here are ways to continue coverage for you and your family.

As we continue to face the impacts of COVID-19, many people have lost their full-time job status and their health insurance.

However, even if you have a change in employment status, you and your family still have options to stay covered, whether it’s through buying a health plan on your own or with financial assistance from the government.

It’s crucial, though, that you make sure you and your family continue to have access to the health care you need when you need it. It’s important, now more than ever, to have health insurance coverage.

The Hawaii Association of Health Plans is a non-profit coalition dedicated to promote cooperative efforts among health plans and providers to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of health care and services. We are working to help ensure the people of Hawaii stay healthy and have access to quality health care.

Choose the best plan to continue your health care coverage.

Affordable Care Act plans

Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans are available to buy on your own, and you may be able to get a government subsidy or acquire a plan at rates less expensive than COBRA. These plans include health benefits such as medical and prescription drug coverage. ACA plans cover individuals, their spouse, and/or their children.

Enroll in an ACA plan

QUEST Integration plans

Health care does not have to come from your employer. If you recently lost your job or find yourself in a position where your employer can no longer offer you coverage, you may be able to get a health plan at no cost through Hawaii’s Medicaid (QUEST Integration) program. If you’re looking for coverage for yourself or your family, this plan can provide a temporary solution for individuals and families while we wait for our state economy to get back on track.

Apply at Med-QUEST

Call the Med-QUEST office at 524-3370 on Oahu or 1(800) 316-8005 toll-free on the Neighbor Islands.
Apply online or submit a fillable PDF application via mail, fax, or drop off to a Med-QUEST Division Eligibility Office near you.

COBRA plans
(Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act)

If you recently lost the health coverage that was offered to you by your employer and want to keep it, you may be able to pay for that same plan on your own. This approach has the added advantage that you can stay with your current provider.

Learn more about COBRA

This is only available if your company has 20 or more employees.
You will be responsible for paying the entire premium: what you normally paid plus what your employer previously contributed.
If you are interested in this option, contact your employer for more information.

During this COVID-19 emergency period, many health plans have extended eligibility requirements, lengthened grace periods, and taken other steps to help as many employers as possible continue to provide health care coverage to their employees. Talk with your company’s Human Resource department to learn if you may be available for some of these extended benefits.

The Hawaii Association of Health Plans (HAHP) is a trade association whose members include Hawaii's state-licensed health plans. Our member organizations include AlohaCare, Hawaii Medical Assurance Association (HMAA), Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA), Hawaii-Western Management Group (HWMG), Kaiser Permanente, MDX Hawaii, ‘Ohana Health Plan, UnitedHealthCare (UHC), and University Health Alliance (UHA). A majority of Hawaii residents receive their health coverage through a plan associated with one of these HAHP organizations.