Health Insurance Exchange Task Force

The Health Insurance Exchange Task Force examined options for implementing a health insurance marketplace in Hawaii following passage of the Affordable Care Act, evaluating whether Hawaii should operate its own exchange, partner with the federal government, or use the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace. It assessed Hawaii's unique insurance market, which includes the Hawaii Prepaid Health Care Act, and made recommendations to the legislature and Governor. Hawaii ultimately transitioned to the federal exchange after its state exchange faced technical challenges.

The structure of Hawaii's health insurance marketplace directly affects how individuals and small businesses shop for and obtain coverage, including eligibility for subsidies. Residents purchasing insurance through the marketplace are directly affected by exchange design decisions.