HB 2365 Summary

• Establishes the Hawaii Health Insurance Programs within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations as a state-based health insurance exchange using the federal platform for eligibility and enrollment, replacing the non-sustainable Hawaii Health Connector.

• Authorizes the Department to operate a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) to assist qualified employers and facilitate employee enrollment in qualified health plans.

• Repeals Chapter 435H (Hawaii Health Insurance Exchange Law) and transfers all records, equipment, and property from the Hawaii Health Connector to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

• Requires the Department of Human Services to develop and administer outreach programs as required by the Affordable Care Act and establishes an Affordable Care Act Legislative Oversight Committee with seven members from both chambers.

• Appropriates funds to both departments for fiscal year 2016-2017 for operating expenses and staff hiring, with a mandatory report to the legislature by 2018 on the program's revenues, expenditures, and results; Section 3 sunsets January 1, 2018.