A healthier future for Hawai‘i starts with strong policy, community awareness, and clear communication. When we advocate for the resources our communities need and help residents navigate the system, we ensure that no one is left behind.
This Medicaid Awareness Month, the AlohaCare team is focusing on three core pillars to support our islands: education, advocacy, and clarity.
From the halls of the State Capitol to our local neighborhoods, here is how we are working to keep Hawai‘i covered during a time of major healthcare shifts.
Connecting the Dots: Medicaid and QUEST in Hawai‘i
One of our biggest priorities this month is bringing clarity to the community. It is very common for local residents to view “Medicaid” and “QUEST” (Med-QUEST) as two entirely separate programs. In reality, they are one and the same—QUEST is simply Hawai‘i’s Medicaid program.
This distinction is more important now than ever. As federal eligibility requirements change following recent national legislation (like H.R. 1), updates you see in the national news about “Medicaid” apply directly to QUEST plans right here at home. Helping our neighbors understand this connection ensures that families stay informed, take action when needed, and—most importantly—maintain their healthcare coverage.
Kicking Off the Month: Education & Public Awareness
To prepare for these shifting eligibility rules, our team spent the start of the month taking proactive steps both inside our organization and out in the community:
- Staff Development: We hosted specialized internal training sessions focused on recent federal policy shifts. This ensures our front-line staff is fully equipped to guide residents through changing eligibility rules and answer complex questions.
- Community Outreach: Our team took to the streets for an energetic sign-waving event! By showing up visibly in the community, we opened up doors for public conversation and raised vital awareness about the importance of Medicaid health literacy.
Taking the Message to the Capitol
Building on that grassroots momentum, AlohaCare recently joined forces with our partners in the Healthcare Safety Net Coalition for a dedicated day of advocacy at the State Capitol.
Our team and coalition partners met directly with state lawmakers to discuss crucial healthcare legislation, focusing on:
- Securing Stable Funding: Ensuring healthcare providers and community health centers have the consistent resources needed to serve high-need areas.
- Expanding Accessibility: Breaking down barriers so that quality healthcare is stable, dependable, and available statewide, no matter which island you call home.
- Preventing Loss of Coverage: Partnering with the state to protect our most vulnerable populations through proactive education and enrollment support during this transition.
By sharing real-world insights directly with legislators, we help shape a policy environment where healthcare remains a stable lifeline for the thousands of individuals, keiki, and kupuna who rely on it.
Mahalo Nui Loa We extend a sincere mahalo to our fellow Healthcare Safety Net Coalition partners for standing side-by-side with us, and to our state legislators for their open dialogue. True healthcare transformation only happens when we work together.
Looking Ahead
As we navigate these healthcare shifts, our priority remains clear: preventing the avoidable loss of coverage through proactive education and hands-on support. Let’s work together to keep Hawai‘i covered.
