Hawaii Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

What is Med-QUEST, Hawaii's Medicaid program?

Hawaii's Medicaid program is called Med-QUEST, administered by the Med-QUEST Division of the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS). The program's official name — QUEST Integration — reflects its structure as a unified managed care program covering most Medicaid-eligible populations.

Hawaii has a unique history with health coverage. In 1974, Hawaii enacted the Prepaid Health Care Act, requiring most employers to provide health insurance to employees working more than 20 hours per week. This law predates the ACA by 36 years and gave Hawaii near-universal coverage well before federal reform. When the ACA's Medicaid expansion took effect in 2014, Hawaii expanded — but the coverage gap that expansion aimed to close was already much smaller in Hawaii than in most other states.

As of 2025, approximately 380,000 Hawaii residents are enrolled in Med-QUEST — about 27% of the state's population. Managed care plans operating under QUEST Integration include AlohaCare, HMSA (Hawaii Medical Service Association), Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, and Ohana Health Plan (a UnitedHealthcare subsidiary). Members choose a plan at enrollment; that plan coordinates their covered medical care.

How Med-QUEST managed care works

All QUEST Integration members enroll in one of the contracted managed care plans. The plan assigns or the member selects a primary care provider, who manages referrals to specialists and coordinates overall care. Available plans vary by island — not all four plans operate on every island. Check plan availability in your county before selecting.

Apply for Med-QUEST through the KOLEA eligibility system accessible at medquest.hawaii.gov. The Med-QUEST member services number is 1-800-316-8005 (TTY: 711). DHS offices are located on each island: Oahu (Kapolei and Dillingham), Maui, Hawaii (Hilo and Kona), and Kauai (Lihue).

Who qualifies for Med-QUEST?

Hawaii Medicaid (QUEST Integration) covers multiple eligibility groups. Hawaii's income limits for children and pregnant women are among the highest in the nation — reflecting the state's high cost of living.

• Adults ages 19–64 (ACA expansion): at or below 138% FPL — approximately $1,732/month for a single person (2025 FPL)
• Children under 19: up to 300% FPL — significantly higher than most states
• Pregnant women: up to 191% FPL during pregnancy and for 60 days postpartum
• Parents and caretaker relatives living with dependent children
• Individuals receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
• Elderly individuals ages 65+ with limited income and assets
• Individuals with disabilities meeting financial and medical criteria
• Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) individuals under specific QUEST Integration categories
• Former foster care youth up to age 26

Source: Hawaii Med-QUEST Division program information; QUEST Integration coverage documentation; 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.

Hawaii Medicaid topics

What does Med-QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid) cover?

Medicaid covers a broad range of health services. Federal law mandates certain benefits — inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, lab work, X-rays, and nursing facility services, among others. States add optional services on top of those. Dental, vision, and long-term home care coverage vary by state.

The national benefits overview lists required and commonly optional services. Check the Med-QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid) website for the current state-specific benefit package.

How to apply

Most people can apply online through Hawaii's Medicaid portal, by phone, or in person at a local eligibility office. The how to apply page walks through each method, what documents you'll need, and what to expect during the review period.

Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most standard Medicaid applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications). Hawaii must follow that federal timeline.