Hawaiʻi delegation reintroduces bill to expand health care access for Native Hawaiian veterans

US Sen. Mazie Hirono and Hawaiʻi’s congressional delegation have reintroduced legislation to improve health care affordability for Native Hawaiian veterans, aiming to eliminate copays and expand access to culturally appropriate care.

The “Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act”—led by Senator Hirono, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and co-sponsored by Sen. Brian Schatz and Reps. Jill Tokuda and Ed Case—would remove copays for Native Hawaiian veterans receiving care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. It would also allow Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems to be reimbursed directly by the VA for providing care to eligible veterans.

“Native Hawaiian veterans deserve access to quality, affordable health care that is tailored to the unique culture and needs of our communities,” Hirono said. “I’m proud to lead our congressional delegation in the reintroduction of this bill to expand the affordability and access of health care services provided to Native Hawaiian veterans, while also creating parity for Native Hawaiian vets in alignment with the benefits that American Indian and Alaska Native veterans already receive.”

The legislation would amend Title 38 of the US Code to ensure Native Hawaiian veterans receive the same benefits as other Indigenous groups. In 2023, American Indian and Alaska Native veterans had copays eliminated for VA care, and providers like the Indian Health Service and Tribal Health Programs became eligible for direct reimbursement. This bill would extend similar policies to Native Hawaiian veterans and their health care systems.

The Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems operate across five islands and offer a range of services, including primary care, mental health support and culturally grounded wellness programs.

The full text of the legislation is available here.