News Release
June 28, 2012
HMSA will move forward with health care reform in Hawaii
Robyn Kuraoka
(808) 948-6826
Robyn_Kuraoka@hmsa.com
Today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the Affordable Care Act
(ACA) means the Hawai‘i Medical Service Association (HMSA) will continue to
advance health care reform in the state and offer the current level of benefits
and access to doctors and hospitals.
“We are strong advocates for health care reform and access to quality, affordable
health care for Hawaii’s people. HMSA’s effort to increase access to
care, slow the growth of health care costs, and support preventive health, individual
responsibility, and transparency were underway long before the Affordable Care Act
became law in 2010,” said Robert P. Hiam, HMSA’s chief executive officer.
“Preventive health services keep people healthy and help hold the line on
health care costs in Hawaii. We will continue to make these benefits available to
current and future HMSA employer groups and members,” Hiam said.
HMSA’s current benefits include:
- Preventive health care services without copayments, including yearly preventive
medical visits, screening for high blood pressure and diabetes, and all standard
immunizations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
- Coverage of dependents up to the age of 26 on their parents’ plan, including
those not enrolled in school, not dependents on their parents’ tax returns,
and those who are married.
- No lifetime dollar limits on policies.
- Clear and timely options for appeals.
About HMSA
HMSA is a nonprofit, mutual benefit society founded in Hawaii in 1938. It is governed
by a community board of directors that includes representatives from health care,
business, labor, government, education, clergy, and the community. HMSA is an independent
licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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