Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, UHA Health Insurance network reach new agreement

A new three-year agreement keeps Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation, a public hospital system, as part of the UHA Health Insurance network of participating providers.

The contract is a particularly important development for UHA members living on Kauaʻi and Hawai‘i Island who rely on these hospitals for care, according to a joint press release.

Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation’s facilities and associated clinics include:

Kaua‘i:

• Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital
• Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital

Hawai‘i Island:

• Hilo Medical Center
• Hale Ho‘ola Hamakua
• Ka‘ū Hospital
• Kohala Hospital
• Kona Community Hospital

“We are pleased that we have reached an agreement with UHA that recognizes the value that our facilities provide to UHA’s members on the islands of Hawai‘i and Kaua‘i,” said Edward N. Chu, vice president and CFO of Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation.

“Our collaborative efforts to reach this agreement is a positive development for the community overall in ensuring access to much needed healthcare. As a public hospital system, HHSC receives a state subsidy to provide its services. We have a fiduciary responsibility to every taxpayer in Hawai‘i to ensure fair payment is reached for the healthcare services that are provided to our island communities.”

Chu added that as stewards of state funds, the new contract with UHA will help to ensure that subsidized healthcare services are appropriately paid for.

UHA President & CEO Howard Lee said: “As a local, physician-founded health insurer, UHA’s goal is to consistently provide access to affordable, high-quality patient care for its members and the people of Hawai‘i.”

UHA Health Insurance provides medical, drug and vision plans to nearly 4,300 Hawai‘i employer groups and more than 60,000 members. As the only health plan in Hawai‘i founded by physicians, it was the first to offer preventive and wellness care focused health plans in the state.