HI HB1736

Establishes separate programs and risk pools within the Hawaii Health Connector for the individual market and small group market, each operating consistently with state and federal law.

Requires insurers offering qualified plans to the small group market to also offer the same plans to the individual market, unless the insurance commissioner grants a waiver due to insolvency or extreme economic hardship.

Creates a navigator program consistent with federal law (section 1311(i) of the Federal Act), with navigators selected by the board and funded through connector grants, excluding insurance producers and brokers from serving as navigators.

Adds definitions for "health benefit plan," "individual market," "qualified employer," "small employer" (initially 1-50 employees, expanding to 1-100 employees beginning January 1, 2016), and "small group market."

Establishes a 15-member board with staggered four-year terms; clarifies Department of Human Services role in determining Medicaid and children's health insurance program eligibility for connector applicants.