Jane Dotson
Short-term health insurance in Hawaii is a temporary solution for those who are between jobs, new college graduates, or those experiencing other life events that require health insurance. While short-term health insurance is not an option in Hawaii due to state legislation, there are other ways to obtain affordable health insurance, including employer-sponsored coverage, Medicaid/CHIP (Med-QUEST), and the Hawaii marketplace/exchange. This article will explore the options available for short-term medical insurance in Hawaii, including the eligibility requirements and alternative solutions to ensure you are covered.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Short-term health insurance availability in Hawaii | Short-term health insurance is not an option in Hawaii due to legislation passed in 2018 that prohibits the sale or renewal of short-term plans to anyone eligible to purchase an ACA-compliant plan in the exchange during the previous calendar year. |
| Alternatives to short-term health insurance in Hawaii | Other options for obtaining affordable health insurance in Hawaii include employer-sponsored coverage, Medicaid/CHIP (Med-QUEST), and the Hawaii marketplace/exchange. |
| Eligibility requirements for state short-term health insurance | To qualify, individuals must complete a health questionnaire assessing their medical history and recent symptoms of specific illnesses within the past five years. Some insurance companies have automatic disqualifiers, such as weight or specific prior diagnoses. |
| Temporary coverage options | COBRA Coverage allows individuals who recently left a job to continue their employer-based health insurance, although it can be expensive. Community Health Clinics offer medical services on a sliding scale based on income. |
| Dental insurance in Hawaii | Dental insurance can be added to health plans and typically includes preventive care, basic services, and major services. Vision benefits can also be added. |
| Understanding health insurance options in Hawaii | Hawaii's Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs provides resources to help residents understand their options, rights as patients, and potential scams. |
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What You'll Learn
Short-term health insurance is not an option in Hawaii
The only people who are not eligible to purchase a plan in the exchange are undocumented immigrants, incarcerated individuals, and those eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A. While short-term health insurance in Hawaii was previously available, insurers have stopped offering these plans due to low demand.
Hawaii has strong employee protections regarding employer-sponsored health coverage. Under the state's Prepaid Health Care Act, employers must provide health insurance to employees working at least 20 hours per week, regardless of business size. The cost of the plan cannot exceed 1.5% of the employee's wages for self-only coverage.
There are alternative options for affordable health insurance in Hawaii, including employer-sponsored coverage, Medicaid/CHIP (Med-QUEST), and the Hawaii marketplace/exchange. If you recently left a job, you may be eligible to continue your employer-based health insurance through COBRA, although this can be expensive. Community health clinics also offer medical services on a sliding scale based on income, providing low-cost basic healthcare.
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Alternatives to short-term health insurance
In 2018, Hawaii passed a state law that prohibits the purchase of a short-term health plan by anyone who was eligible to purchase a plan in the ACA marketplace during the previous calendar year. This legislation also limits short-term health plans to a duration of 90 days, with no option for renewal or re-enrollment. As a result, short-term health insurance is not an option in Hawaii. However, there are several alternatives to short-term health insurance that you can consider:
ACA Marketplace Plans
The ACA Marketplace offers various health insurance options, including plans that can be tailored to your needs. Even if you missed the Open Enrollment period, you may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period under certain circumstances. You can explore these options through the ACA website or by contacting their support team for personalized assistance.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal-state program that provides health insurance coverage for individuals with low incomes and limited resources. In Hawaii, this is known as Med-QUEST. To be eligible for Medicaid, your income must be below a certain level, and you must be a resident of the state. You can check your eligibility and apply for Medicaid through the state's official website or the HealthCare.gov website.
Employer-Sponsored Coverage
Hawaii has strong employee protections when it comes to health insurance. Under the state's Prepaid Health Care Act, employers are required to provide health insurance to employees working at least 20 hours per week. This rule applies to businesses of any size, and the cost of the plan for employees cannot exceed 1.5% of their wages for self-only coverage. If you are employed, check with your employer to understand the health insurance benefits offered.
Community Health Clinics
Community Health Clinics offer medical services on a sliding scale based on your income. These clinics provide a low-cost option for basic healthcare needs. You can search for community health clinics in your area by visiting the HRSA Health Center Finder website or contacting your local health department.
COBRA Coverage
If you recently left a job that provided health insurance, you may be eligible to continue your coverage through COBRA. However, this option can be expensive as you will be responsible for the full premium. Contact your former employer's human resources department to inquire about continuing your health insurance coverage through COBRA.
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Eligibility requirements for short-term health insurance
Short-term health insurance is not an option in Hawaii. This is due to a state law passed in 2018 that prohibits the purchase of a short-term health plan by anyone who was eligible to purchase a plan in the ACA marketplace during the previous calendar year.
However, there are other ways to obtain affordable health insurance in Hawaii, including:
- Employer-sponsored coverage: Under the state's Prepaid Health Care Act, employers must provide health insurance to employees working at least 20 hours per week. This rule applies to businesses of any size, and the plan cannot cost the employee more than 1.5% of their wages for self-only coverage.
- Medicaid/CHIP (Med-QUEST): Hawaii's Medicaid eligibility levels for children are higher than the national average, and about average for pregnant women and parents. As of September 2023, 466,437 people were enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP in the state.
- Hawaii marketplace/exchange: You can explore other coverage options available in your state through the ACA Marketplace. Even outside the Open Enrollment period, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period under certain circumstances.
- Community Health Clinics: These clinics offer medical services on a sliding scale based on your income, providing a low-cost option for basic healthcare needs.
If you recently left a job, you may be eligible to continue your employer-based health insurance through COBRA. However, this can be expensive as you will need to pay the full premium.
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Temporary coverage options
COBRA Coverage
If you have recently left your job, you may be eligible to continue your employer-based health insurance through COBRA. However, this can be expensive as you will need to pay the full premium.
Community Health Clinics
These clinics offer basic healthcare services on a sliding scale based on your income, providing a low-cost option.
ACA Marketplace Plans
You can explore options through the ACA Marketplace, even outside the Open Enrollment period. You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period under certain circumstances.
Medicaid
Medicaid offers comprehensive coverage based on your income level. In Hawaii, this is known as Med-QUEST, and it provides health coverage for eligible residents.
Short-Term Health Insurance
Although short-term health insurance is heavily restricted in Hawaii, it may still be available from certain providers. These plans are designed to provide temporary coverage and are typically more affordable than standard health insurance. However, they do not cover all medical needs and are not as comprehensive as ACA-compliant major medical plans.
Other Options
Other types of non-ACA-compliant health coverage available in Hawaii include fixed indemnity plans and health care sharing ministry plans. However, these are not major medical health insurance plans, and it is recommended to obtain coverage from an employer or through Hawaii's marketplace/exchange.
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Understanding your rights as a patient
In Hawaii, short-term health insurance is restricted to 90-day plans for those who were ineligible to purchase a plan in the ACA marketplace during the previous calendar year. This means that short-term health insurance is not a viable option for most people in the state. However, there are other ways to obtain affordable health insurance in Hawaii, including through an employer, Medicaid/CHIP (Med-QUEST), or the Hawaii marketplace/exchange.
Now, understanding your rights as a patient is crucial when navigating the healthcare system. Here are some key rights and responsibilities to be aware of:
Rights:
- You have the right to make informed decisions about your care and health status. This includes being involved in care planning, discussing risks and alternatives, and refusing treatment, including life-sustaining treatment, as permitted by law.
- You have the right to express your spiritual and cultural beliefs as long as they do not harm others or interfere with your treatment. You can also request pastoral care and other spiritual services.
- You have the right to an appropriate assessment and management of pain as part of your care plan.
- You have the right to question and understand your charges and to receive financial assistance if you are uninsured, underinsured, or facing financial hardship.
- You have the right to receive information in a language you understand, and free language services will be provided if English is not your primary language.
- If you believe you have experienced discrimination based on race, colour, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with the Patient Relations Coordinator and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Responsibilities:
- You have the responsibility to provide accurate and complete information about your medical history, including past illnesses, hospitalizations, and medications. Keep your healthcare providers informed of any changes in your condition.
- You are responsible for understanding the consequences if you choose not to follow the agreed-upon treatment plan.
- You have the responsibility to ask questions about your care, treatment, and services provided.
- You, your family, and visitors are expected to respect the rights, privacy, and feelings of staff and other patients and to follow facility rules regarding conduct, security, and property use.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Hawaiian law prohibits the sale of short-term health insurance plans.
Alternatives include buying an ACA plan, signing up for COBRA coverage, or looking into Medicaid eligibility. You can also compare plans via the Health Insurance Marketplace or buy a plan directly from an insurance company.
To be eligible for Medicaid in Hawaii, you must meet citizenship requirements and have a Social Security Number. A household of one may have assets valued at up to $2,000 to qualify for coverage.
Short-term health insurance can be a fast, flexible, and cheap insurance solution until you find long-term coverage. It can be useful if you are between jobs, are a recent college graduate, or are experiencing other life events that leave you needing health insurance.
