HI HR29

Establishes the Hawaii Health Plan Working Group to design and recommend a basic, affordable health plan available to every Hawaii resident in response to federal changes expected to leave 6-7% of the state's population uninsured.

Working group membership includes the House Health Committee Chair, a Governor's Office representative, Insurance Commissioner, State Health Planning Administrator, and invited representatives from Hawaii Medical Service Association and Kaiser Permanente.

The enhanced federal Premium Tax Credit expired at the end of 2025 and increased Medicaid work requirements under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act prompted this state-level response.

Working group must submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2027 Regular Session, with draft legislation due to the Legislative Reference Bureau by October 15, 2026.

The working group will cease to exist on June 30, 2027.