At AlohaCare, staying ahead of changes in the healthcare landscape is more than a professional goal—it is our commitment to the well-being of our community.
With recent federal shifts like the passing of H.R. 1 (the Working Families Tax Cut legislation, or WFTC), the Medicaid space is evolving rapidly. We know that changes to healthcare policy can bring questions and uncertainty for families across Hawai‘i. That is why we are proactively working alongside local leaders, providers, and community partners to ensure our members remain supported, informed, and covered.
Recently, we took two major steps forward in shaping that collaborative future.
Shaping Policy at the State of Reform Conference
On January 13, AlohaCare leadership and staff joined over 300 healthcare industry leaders, providers, and legislators at the annual State of Reform health policy conference. The event is a vital hub for discussing the future of healthcare in Hawai‘i, and AlohaCare was honored to help lead the conversation.
Two of our own experts shared the stage with state Med-QUEST leadership to tackle upcoming systemic changes:
Dr. Ritabelle Fernandes and Mike Nguyen spoke on panels regarding complex upcoming shifts, including new Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) realignments and the implementation of new work and community engagement requirements under H.R. 1.
By aligning directly with state policymakers, we are working to ensure that new regulations are rolled out with the unique needs of Hawai‘i’s families in mind.
A Landmark First: The AlohaCare Townhall
Building on that momentum, we hosted our very first AlohaCare Townhall on January 15. Bringing together approximately 80 attendees both in-person and online, the room was filled with energy, collaboration, and a shared mission: protecting care.
The session brought together diverse voices to share actionable strategies for the road ahead:
- Expert Guidance from Med-QUEST: Puanani Crabbe-Parker from Med-QUEST joined us to provide a clear, detailed breakdown of upcoming eligibility changes and new federal Medicaid requirements.
- Proactive Strategies to Protect Coverage: AlohaCare’s Mike Nguyen and John Mai mapped out concrete ways we can work hand-in-hand with community partners to prevent local families from experiencing an avoidable loss of healthcare coverage during this transition.
- Strengthening Support Systems: Carol Hayashida from Unite Us highlighted how our collaborative referral platform can bridge the gap between healthcare providers and social services, creating a wrap-around network of care for residents.
- Community Dialogue: The most valuable part of the day came from our attendees—representing local community-based organizations and health centers—who asked insightful questions and shared grassroots perspectives that will guide our strategy moving forward.
Mahalo Nui Loa A heartfelt thank you to our guest speakers, community partners, and the dedicated AlohaCare team—including CEO Francoise Culley-Trotman and Chief Policy & Communications Officer Paula Arcena—who made this inaugural Townhall a success. True healthcare transformation only happens when we listen to and learn from one another.
Looking Ahead
Policy shifts like the WFTC naturally bring new challenges, but they also offer a powerful opportunity to strengthen our collective safety net. By convening with experts, breaking down silos, and—most importantly—listening to our community, AlohaCare is ensuring that we are ready to navigate these changes together.
