HI HB979

Amends the definition of "dependent-beneficiary" in the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to remove restrictions on unmarried dependents and the requirement that dependents live with the employee-beneficiary, bringing the fund into compliance with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010.

Expands eligible dependents to include any child deemed eligible by the board, including legally adopted, step, foster, or recognized natural children, regardless of marital status or residence with the employee.

Updates multiple sections of Chapter 87A (HRS) to recognize civil unions in addition to marriages when two employee-beneficiaries contribute to the fund, ensuring parity with Hawaii's Civil Unions Law (Chapter 572B).

Modifies state and county contribution calculations to ensure that when two employee-beneficiaries are married or in a civil union, total contributions do not exceed the family plan rate across multiple benefit scenarios.

Effective date of January 1, 2050.