partnering for hawaii’s health care future

Across Hawaii, families are dealing with the pressure of our rising cost of living and growing concerns about access to quality health care. As the state’s most experienced health plan, HMSA recognizes our responsibility to lead with purpose and innovation. 

The need for fresh, forward thinking has never been greater and HMSA and Hawaii Pacific Health (HPH) are joining forces to meet the challenge. Nobody believes that the status quo is working. We are going in the wrong direction, and the time has come for us to correct course and create a more resilient Hawaii for the people of Hawaii.  

In a bold move toward transformation, HMSA and HPH recently announced a partnership agreement that aims to reshape the health care landscape across the Islands. This collaboration brings together the strengths and dedication of two trusted local health organizations. Together, we will form One Health Hawaii, a new not-for-profit entity, designed to make health care more affordable, improve the consumer experience, and expand access to care for communities statewide, all while realizing long-term financial sustainability. 

One Health Hawaii will own the strategy, philosophy, and financing of health care delivery to lower the cost of care and enable investments in the access, quality, and experience of care for all the people of Hawaii. 1+1 = 3, creating value, resilience, and healthier communities. 

The mission of One Health Hawaii is “Creating a healthier Hawaii for a better tomorrow” and our vision is “High-quality, accessible care for you and your ohana – for generations to come.” 

Despite the significance of this partnership and the vital change it represents for Hawaii’s health care landscape, both HMSA and HPH will continue to operate much as they do today and would become affiliates of the combined company. The goal is not disruption, but enhancement that builds on existing foundations to create a more unified and responsive system of high-quality care for a more resilient and healthier Hawaii for all. To be clear, provider choice for HMSA’s members continues to be a core principle of this new health ecosystem. HMSA members can continue to be cared for by the entire HMSA network of providers as they do today. 

“HMSA firmly believes in maintaining access to all providers and systems of care delivery,” said HMSA CEO Mark M. Mugiishi, M.D., F.A.C.S. “We’re committed to ensuring our members always have the freedom to choose their doctors, specialists, and other health care providers and we will work closely with all our provider partners to ensure that the health of our members and communities remains at the heart of every decision.” 

“We are thrilled to partner with HMSA as One Health Hawaii to better serve our patients by finally addressing the rising costs of care and difficult access issues facing the people of Hawaii,” said Ray Vara, president and CEO of HPH. “This transformational opportunity will allow us to reshape health care in our state and improve affordability and the quality of care to build a more sustainable future here in the Islands.” 

The partnership between HMSA and HPH reflects a shared responsibility and vision of meaningful transformative change that prioritizes the health and well-being of Hawaii’s people. As this journey unfolds, we’re focused on listening, learning and leading with care.

For more information, visit healthierhawaiitogether.com.

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