$128M Federal Grant Keeps Health Exchange On Track to Open

Hawaii’s health insurance exchange will open Oct. 1, 2013. File photo.

By Sonia Isotov

The Hawaii Health Connector announced today that it has received a $128 million Level 2 multi-year grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services.

This award makes the Connector fully-funded through December 2014. This particular award will fund the customer service call center, consumer assistance program and general maintenance and operations of the Connector through December 2014.

“This federal grant will help to inform the people of Hawaii about the Hawaii Health Connector and how it will provide greater access to health care coverage,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said in a media announcement.

“The Connector continues to be an important part of the community’s efforts to transform healthcare in our state,” he said.

“Implementing President Obama’s Affordable Care Act in our state will continue to be a top priority,” said Sen. Brian Schatz. “Last month marked three years since this important law was enacted, and we’ve already seen thousands of people across the country receive access to affordable care and preventative services. ”

“The strength of this federal grant is that it reaches all residents in Hawaii,” said US Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.

“The consumer assistance program will help individuals and small business owners compare and navigate their health insurance choices,” she said. “I’m especially grateful that we’re helping Hawaii’s many small businesses, and that this cornerstone of our economy will have access to quality health care.”

The Connector plans to open Oct. 1, 2013 and has received approximately $205 million dollars in federal grant support so far.