Healthcare Assistance in Hawaii

Where to start

Start with the health problem and the coverage problem. For example: “My child needs a doctor,” “I am pregnant and uninsured,” “My Medicaid stopped,” “I need mental health care,” or “I cannot afford prescriptions.” Then use the matching first step.

Quick help table

Med-QUEST and CHIP in Hawaii

Med-QUEST is Hawaii’s Medicaid program. CHIP is the children’s coverage path for some children whose families have income above regular Medicaid limits. The only way to get an official answer is to apply.

The state’s apply for Medicaid page says Med-QUEST accepts applications online, over the phone, by mail, or by fax. The state also says a complete application helps with a faster decision, and Med-QUEST will contact you if more information is needed.

Ways to apply

• Online: Use KOLEA to apply, check status, and manage notices.
• Phone: Call Med-QUEST customer service at 1-800-316-8005. TTY users can call 1-855-889-4325 or 711.
• Mail or fax: Use the DHS 1100 application and send it to the eligibility office nearest you.
• Office or partner help: Use the Med-QUEST contact page if you need an eligibility office or other help.

2026 income guide for Med-QUEST

Hawaii’s 2026 MAGI income standards are effective January 13, 2026. The chart uses monthly income and shows both minimum and maximum MAGI standards. The 5% disregard is only added when it helps the person qualify. The chart also says assets are exempt for people subject to MAGI rules.

Use the official 2026 MAGI chart before making decisions. This table uses the maximum monthly amounts shown in that chart for common family groups.

These numbers are not a promise of approval. Income counting can change if your pay varies, you are self-employed, someone is pregnant, someone has Medicare, someone is disabled, or your household tax situation is unusual. If your income is close to the limit, apply and let Med-QUEST decide.

QUEST health plans and care access

Most Medicaid services in Hawaii are delivered through managed care plans. Med-QUEST lists five QUEST Integration plans: AlohaCare, HMSA, Kaiser Permanente, ʻOhana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. The state’s health plan page lists plan phone numbers and explains that most Medicaid services are delivered through managed care.

If you are approved, you may receive an enrollment choice packet. If you have a doctor, clinic, therapist, dentist, or specialist you want to keep, call before you choose a plan. Ask whether that provider is in the plan’s network.

Hawaii’s covered benefits page lists many QUEST Integration benefits, including primary care, hospital care, maternity and newborn care, behavioral health, prescriptions, non-emergency transportation, and EPSDT services for people under 21. Always ask your plan about referrals, prior authorization, copays if any, and network rules before a costly visit.

WIC, pregnancy, postpartum, and baby support

WIC is not health insurance, but it can support health. Hawaii WIC serves pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under age 5 who meet income rules, live in Hawaii, and have a nutrition or medical need. The Hawaii WIC program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and health and social service referrals.

The official Hawaii WIC program page says families should call the nearest WIC clinic and bring proof of income, identity, Hawaii residence, the child who needs WIC, and the child’s shot record when available. If you already receive QUEST, TANF, or food stamps, those documents may help show income eligibility.

Use WIC clinic locations to find a clinic. ASMOM also has a Hawaii WIC guide and a national Head Start guide if you need early childhood support.

Clinics, dental care, vaccines, and mental health

Community health centers

If you do not have insurance, or you are waiting for coverage, a community health center may help with primary care, children’s visits, pregnancy care, behavioral health, dental referrals, and sliding-fee questions. Call before you go and ask what documents, costs, and appointment times are needed.

Dental care

Med-QUEST dental claims are handled through a private third-party agency, currently Hawaii Dental Service. The state Medicaid dental page lists help for finding a Medicaid dentist and dental claim contacts. For a plain-language next step, use ASMOM’s Hawaii dental help page.

Children’s checkups and vaccines

EPSDT is Medicaid’s child health benefit for eligible infants, children, and youth under age 21. Ask your plan or child’s doctor about well-child visits, dental, vision, hearing, developmental screenings, therapy referrals, and school health forms.

The Hawaii Vaccines for Children page says the program provides federally purchased vaccines for eligible children without vaccine cost to parents or providers. Ask your child’s doctor, clinic, school nurse, or health plan where your child can get vaccines.

If Med-QUEST says no: Marketplace coverage

If you are not eligible for Med-QUEST or CHIP, check HealthCare.gov. As of this update, 2026 Marketplace open enrollment has ended for most people. You usually need a Special Enrollment Period unless another rule applies. HealthCare.gov’s special enrollment page explains life events that may open a window, such as losing coverage, moving, marriage, birth, adoption, or other qualifying changes.

If different family members qualify for different programs, compare doctors, monthly premium, deductible, prescriptions, dental, and island access. A child may qualify for Med-QUEST or CHIP even when the parent does not.

Documents and information checklist

You may not need every item, but gathering papers early can prevent delays. Use ASMOM’s documents checklist to build one folder for health coverage, food, child care, and housing appointments.

Other help that may affect health

Health care is easier to keep when food, housing, transportation, and child care are stable. These ASMOM pages can help you find the next step without mixing up programs.

• For rent, shelter, and housing waitlists, use Hawaii housing help.
• For cash help while you work on health coverage, use Hawaii TANF help.
• For rides to appointments or work, use Hawaii transportation help.
• For child care so you can work or attend care, use Hawaii child care.
• For SSI, SSDI, and child disability basics, use the SSI and SSDI guide.

What to do if you are denied, delayed, or overwhelmed

If Med-QUEST asks for more proof, send only what they request, but send it quickly. Keep a copy. If you upload documents, keep a screenshot or confirmation. If you mail or fax documents, write down the date and keep the receipt when possible.

If your application is delayed, call customer service and ask whether your case is missing documents, whether a notice was mailed, and whether your contact information is current. If you are covered but cannot get care, call your health plan first. Ask for member services, care coordination, a provider directory, or help replacing a lost card.

If you disagree with a decision, read the notice and ask about appeal or fair hearing rights. If the issue affects a child, pregnancy, disability, urgent treatment, domestic violence, or housing, ask for legal help or advocacy quickly.