HI HB552

Establishes the Affordable Health Insurance Working Group to address potential impacts of repealing the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) on Hawaii residents and the state's health care system.

Working group shall consider policy recommendations on minimum coverage requirements, essential health benefits, rate setting, Medicaid expansion, financial requirements, and other related issues.

Working group membership includes chairs of senate and house health committees, vice-chairs from human services committees, and representatives from state departments including labor, human services, med-QUEST division, and the insurance commissioner.

Working group may hold public briefings, request expert assistance, and shall submit a final report with legislative and administrative recommendations to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2018 regular session.

Working group to be officially convened no later than August 1, 2017, depending on Congressional action regarding the ACA; takes effect July 1, 2017.