HI HB2478

Authorizes the State of Hawaii to submit a state innovation waiver proposal under Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act to the U.S. Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Treasury.

Allows implementation of the waiver on or after January 1, 2017, upon federal approval.

Builds on work of a state innovation waiver task force established by prior legislation (Act 158, SLH 2014 and Act 184, SLH 2015) that held seven public hearings across six islands with 163 community participants.

Task force recommendations include maintaining affordable health insurance access through the state-based exchange, aligning the Affordable Care Act with Hawaii's Prepaid Health Care Act employer requirements, and waiving the federal Small Business Health Options Program.

Reflects Hawaii's 40-year history as a health care innovator through the Hawaii Prepaid Health Care Act, which already exceeds Affordable Care Act employer-sponsored coverage goals.