The State of Hawaii and the Hawaii Health Connector recently received the next stage of approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to launch Hawaii’s new online health insurance
The State of Hawaii and the Hawaii Health Connector recently received the next stage of approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to launch Hawaii’s new online health insurance marketplace on Oct. 1.
The Connector received conditional federal approval in January following the submission of its marketplace operating plans.
“This is an important step in our progress to transform health care in Hawaii,” said Gov. Abercrombie. “Every resident deserves a good, equitable system of health care, and this new online marketplace requires insurers to offer better benefits and reward quality.”
We agree.
Health care is and will become even more critical, especially as the deadline nears for the Affordable Care Act, which requires most Americans to have health insurance starting in 2014.
When launched, the online marketplace will serve as a one-stop resource for eligible individuals, families and small businesses to browse and purchase health insurance. What’s not to like?
The Connector will be the only place where individuals and small businesses can qualify for tax credits, subsidies and cost sharing reductions, per the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Again, it’s hard to argue with this program as Hawaii continues to be a leader in seeking health care options for residents.
The Department of Human Services will determine eligibility for Medicaid and federal subsidies to purchase health insurance through this new online marketplace.
“DHS has fully seized the opportunity to use available federal funding to modernize its IT systems to better serve Hawaii residents,” said DHS director Patricia McManaman. “An estimated 300,000 Medicaid beneficiaries will be the first to benefit from this service.”
While we have concerns about the costs of the Afford Care Act, especially on those uninsured under the age of 40, this online health insurance marketplace is a move in the right direction to provide access to affordable health insurance coverage in Hawaii.
