HI HCR217

Urges the Department of Human Services to create a Compact of Free Association (COFA) Advisory Body to address inequities facing residents from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau.

Advisory Body must recommend approaches for providing equal state-funded health coverage through Med-QUEST, conduct economic analysis, and reduce administrative enrollment burdens for COFA residents.

Requires assessment of recommendations at 6, 12, and 24 months after implementation, evaluation of demographic data collection practices, and review of outcomes from the 2007 COFA Task Force.

Establishes evaluation criteria prioritizing health coverage parity equal to Med-QUEST, eliminating upfront copayments and fees, aligning eligibility with federal programs, and minimizing administrative barriers.

Notes approximately 18,000 COFA residents legally reside in Hawaii (1.3% of population), contribute to the economy through taxes, and have served in U.S. military at high rates and endured nuclear testing impacts.