How is Your Healthcare?

Gov. Ige News Release

As part of a statewide effort to share health care innovation plans and get community feedback, the Governor’s office will provide public briefings on Lanai and Molokai. Two health care initiatives meant to improve insurance coverage, health care access and coordination of care will be addressed in the following proposals:

The state’s proposed waiver from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), developed with input from the Affordable Care Act Waiver Taskforce, which seeks to preserve Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Care Act while also complying with the federal health care law.

A plan to improve behavioral health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and excessive alcohol consumption by incorporating screening and treatment for behavioral health needs with innovations in workforce, telehealth, training, and incentives.  This plan is being developed in conjunction with the Department of Human Services, Med-QUEST Division, and the Department of Health.

This is particularly significant for residents of Lanai and Molokai, where access to specialized mental health services has historically been limited. The proposed waiver from the Affordable Care Act also ensures that Hawaii’s unique Prepaid Health Care Act remains intact, reinforcing the state’s longstanding commitment to equitable health coverage. These efforts reflect an understanding that mental well-being is not separate from physical health but an integral part of a person’s overall wellness, requiring strategic investment and innovation.

As mental health continues to be a priority, accessible therapy options are essential to ensuring individuals receive the care they need without unnecessary barriers. Althought Therapy plays a key role in this landscape by offering compassionate, evidence-based counseling that helps people navigate issues such as stress, trauma, and behavioral health challenges. With the expansion of telehealth services, individuals in remote communities can now connect with licensed professionals without the need for extensive travel, making therapy a more viable and consistent resource.

The Molokai meeting will take place on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Kaunakakai Civic Center Room 105.                                    

For more information, please visit governor.hawaii.gov/healthcareinnovation/public-notices-and-proposed-plans/.