Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation and UHA Reach Contract Agreement

Honolulu, HI (June 23, 2023) – Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation will remain part of the UHA Health Insurance network of participating providers as the two parties have entered into a new three-year agreement.

The contract is a particularly important development for UHA members living on Hawai‘i Island and on Kaua‘i who rely on these hospitals for care.

“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. 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. As stewards of state funds, HHSC’s new contract with UHA will help to ensure that subsidized healthcare services are appropriately paid for,” said Edward N. Chu, HHSC Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

“We thank the leadership of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation for an agreement that will ensure our members uninterrupted access to State facilities,” explained UHA President & CEO Howard Lee. “We believe the multi-year contract will only increase our collaboration on critical issues including access and quality of care. 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.”

HHSC facilities and associated clinics include the following:

Hawai‘i Island:

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

Kaua‘i:

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

About Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation
The HHSC network of hospitals and clinics provide high quality healthcare services to residents and visitors in the State of Hawai‘i regardless of the ability to pay. In this regard, HHSC continues to serve as a vital component of the State’s system of healthcare. This is accomplished through the continued dedication and hard work of our employees, medical staff, community advisors, boards of directors, labor union partners, and many other stakeholders, with support from the Legislature and the state administration. The system operates 820 licensed beds in facilities located on three different islands.

About UHA Health Insurance
UHA Health Insurance provides medical, drug and vision plans to nearly 4,300 Hawai‘i employer groups and over 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. It continues to be physician-led and offers the largest physician network in Hawai‘i. By meeting strict quality standards to ensure clinically sound decision-making that respects the rights of patients and medical providers, UHA received accreditation in Health Utilization Management through URAC, the independent non-profit that promotes healthcare quality. For information, visit uhahealth.com or follow @uhahealth on Twitter.

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