HI SR49

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

Working group membership includes the Senate health committee chair, a Governor's office representative, the Insurance Commissioner, the State Health Planning and Development Agency Administrator, and invited representatives from Hawaii Medical Service Association and Kaiser Permanente.

Federal expiration of enhanced Premium Tax Credits at the end of 2025 and new Medicaid work requirements under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act prompted this initiative, which mirrors Hawaii's 1989 State Health Insurance Program that addressed similar coverage gaps.

Working group must submit draft legislation to the Legislative Reference Bureau by October 15, 2026, and deliver a final report with recommendations to the Legislature at least 20 days before the 2027 Regular Session.

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