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HCR 29

ESTABLISHING THE HAWAII HEALTH PLAN WORKING GROUP TO DESIGN AND RECOMMEND A BASIC, AFFORDABLE HAWAII HEALTH PLAN AVAILABLE TO EVERY RESIDENT OF THE STATE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 10 co-sponsors

Hawaii establishes a working group to design a basic, affordable health insurance plan available to all state residents and report recommendations.

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Bill Summary · HCR 29

Legislative bill overview

HCR 29 establishes a working group tasked with designing and recommending a basic, affordable health insurance plan that would be available to all Hawaii residents. The resolution directs state officials to study the feasibility and structure of such a plan and report back with recommendations.

Why is this important

Hawaii has consistently ranked among states with higher healthcare costs and uninsured rates. A state-designed basic health plan could potentially address coverage gaps and affordability issues, though implementation would require significant legislative follow-up and funding decisions. This represents an early exploratory step toward potential universal or near-universal coverage within the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding mechanism: No specification of how a subsidized plan would be funded or what impact it would have on state budget and existing insurance markets
  • Market impact: Uncertainty about how a state plan would affect private insurers, healthcare providers' reimbursement rates, and competition in the insurance marketplace
  • Scope and feasibility: Questions about what "basic" coverage entails, whether the plan would be mandatory or voluntary, and whether a working group recommendation would actually lead to implementation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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