Hawaii Medical Insurance

Medical insurance is a basic necessity for every man, woman and child in America. A large percentage of people obtain their medical insurance through their employer, however, private insurance is also available to individuals and families. In Hawaii, the Hawaii Insurance Division of Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs oversee health insurance providers and their offerings of private medical insurance . The state also oversees many aspects of Hawaii small group health insurance policies.

Hawaii Individual Health Insurance

There are no standardized individual health insurance plans in Hawaii. Insurers design their own customized plans. However, the state mandates that specific benefits, such as diabetic care and mammograms, must be included in each and every Hawaii health insurance plan offered. Individual policies are not guaranteed issue. Individuals must apply for insurance and are then accepted or rejected based on their current health and health history, as well as the underwriting guidelines of the company. There is no state-set limit on how far back an insurer can go in your medical history when making a decision concerning policy issuance.

Policies are sometimes offered with restrictions or limitations placed on them concerning claims for pre-existing conditions. The state limits exclusion lengths to 36 months. Insurers are not required to give credit for the individual carrying prior medical insurance coverage.

Small Group Medical Insurance in Hawaii

The State of Hawaii has strict guidelines in terms of employer sponsored health insurance. Employers must offer health insurance coverage in Hawaii to employees who work 20 hours or more each week and must pay 50% or more of their premiums. Group policies must be guarantee issue, but are also medically underwritten. 12 month exclusionary periods can be put in place for those employees with pre-existing conditions who are without creditable prior coverage.

The rate for Hawaiian small group health insurance is set by the insurer, but must be approved by the Hawaii State Department of Insurance prior to implementation. Certain specific benefits must be included in the policy according to state law. There is no state-mandated small group size but insurers typically set small group size limitations s as being between 1 and 50 employees or 1 and 100 employees.

Cobra Insurance Coverage Continuation

When employment terminates for individuals that work at companies with more than 20 employees, they are eligible for COBRA benefits. This allows them to extend their health insurance coverage for up to 18 or even 36 months. However, they must pay their portion of the premium, the employer's portion and a 2% administration fee. There is no min-COBRA law in Hawaii for smaller companies. When COBRA runs out, you can get HIPAA coverage through private medical insurance companies who are required by law to offer you a choice of at least 2 plans if you meet the eligibility guidelines.

Hawaii health insurance is very friendly for employees. Thanks to strict guidelines companies have to subsidize healthcare for most employees. This has resulted in an impressive almost 92% of the 1.23 million Hawaiians having medical insurance. The Hawaiian government definitely understands the importance of medical insurance.