Hawaii expands Medicaid coverage to provide stable medical care for keiki
Posted: December 31, 2024 in Main
Thanks to new approvals from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Hawaii families can have greater peace of mind when it comes to keiki care.
This change will allow Hawaii’s children to continue uninterrupted coverage of Hawaii’s Medicaid program QUEST by:
- Children under the age of 6 are covered continuously until their 6th birthday.
- Children between the ages of 6 and 19 can receive coverage for two years at a time.
This eliminates the need for families to reapply frequently, reduces paperwork, and makes it easier for them to focus on what matters most: their child’s health and well-being.
“More than 50 percent of Hawaii’s keiki receive health care through Medicaid,” said Ryan Yamane, director of the Department of Human Services. “This new policy will ensure they have uninterrupted access to critical health services.”
Hawaii joins Colorado, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Washington with continuous Medicaid for children. It joins 12 other states that are leading the way in expanding coverage. These changes reflect a strong commitment to ensuring all children in our state have the care they need to thrive.
Research shows that Medicaid coverage provides long-term benefits for children, including improved health outcomes, higher academic performance, and greater success in adulthood. The program also strengthens communities and reduces the burden on families by simplifying enrollment and minimizing gaps in care.
To learn more about this approval and how it can help families in Hawaii, please visit: Medicaid.gov.
Click this link to apply for QUEST (Medicaid) coverage for children in Hawaii. MedQuest Hawaii Government
