Hawaii health insurance plans
How individual and family health coverage works in Hawaii, in plain language.
ACA Open Enrollment opens November 1st
Take a look at Hawaii plans, or go ahead and enroll yourself when it opens. Call if you need any help with your application.
Where Hawaii residents shop
Hawaii residents who buy their own coverage shop on HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace) at www.healthcare.gov/hawaii/. That is also where income-based help with monthly premiums (premium tax credits) is applied. Enrollment follows the federal HealthCare.gov calendar.
Hawaii is one of the few states that tried running its own ACA exchange and gave it up -- the Hawaii Health Connector spent roughly $204 million in federal grants before closing in 2015, and coverage has run through the federal HealthCare.gov Marketplace ever since.
Enrolling
Open enrollment dates are set by the marketplace and can change from year to year, so confirm this year’s window on the marketplace site before you plan around it. Outside open enrollment you generally need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, or a change in household size.
What affects the plans you see
- Where you live. Plans and premiums are set by area within Hawaii, so your county matters. Find your county.
- Income and household size. These determine help with premiums and whether you may qualify for Medicaid instead.
- Plan level. Metal levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) trade a lower monthly premium against higher costs when you use care.
Med-QUEST, the Hawaii Department of Human Services' Medicaid division, is the right place to apply or report a change if your Hawaii Medicaid eligibility changed.
Hawaii ran its own ACA exchange, the Hawaii Health Connector, until it closed in 2015 -- coverage now runs through the federal HealthCare.gov Marketplace.
Hawaii SHIP counselors offer free, unbiased Medicare guidance at 1-888-875-9229, coordinated through the state's Executive Office on Aging and separate from Hawaii Medical Insurance's own free phone help.
Questions
Where do I shop for ACA health plans in Hawaii?
Hawaii residents shop through HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace) (https://www.healthcare.gov/hawaii/). An independent agent such as Lander LLC can explain the plans for you, but the marketplace is the only place premium tax credits are applied.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Hawaii?
Medicaid in Hawaii is run through Hawaii Department of Human Services, Med-QUEST Division (https://medquest.hawaii.gov). Eligibility depends on income, household size and other factors, and it is decided by the state, not by an insurance agency.
Who regulates insurance in Hawaii?
Hawaii Insurance Division (DCCA) (https://cca.hawaii.gov/ins/) regulates insurance companies and agents in Hawaii. You can use it to check that an agent or company is licensed and to file a complaint.
Is there free, unbiased Medicare help in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) (1-888-875-9229) offers free Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), separate from any insurance agency.
Does Hawaii Medical Insurance cost anything to use?
There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent. Insurance premiums and plan costs are set by the insurance companies and are separate from our help.
Questions about Hawaii health plans? Call 855-367-1095
Call Lander LLC to go over your options. There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent, and you are never required to enroll in anything.
Call 855-367-1095Reviewed by Richard Lander, licensed insurance agent (NPN 21255551), Lander LLC. Last updated October 3, 2026. This page is educational and is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or legal or tax advice.