Hawaii Medicaid Eligibility

Medicaid is a state-administered insurance program funded through federal subsidies. In Hawaii, the state government administers its so-called Fee-for-Service Medicaid program that helps low-income and disabled people afford medical care. The program pays health-care providers directly for providing medical services to Medicaid recipients. If the health-care provider does not accept Medicaid insurance benefits, then the patient is financially responsible for any treatments received.

Fee-for-Service Program

• The Hawaiian government limits its Medicaid program to individuals 65 and older or individuals who are certified as blind or disabled. It also covers pregnant women in need of medical treatment. Hawaiians who do not fall within these categories may qualify for the state's Quest Program.

Quest Program

• Administered through Hawaii's Department of Human Services, this program provides health benefits through Kaiser and Aloha Care to help Hawaii residents receive health care they normally could not obtain through traditional plans. Adults 19 years of age and older who are legal Hawaiian citizens can apply for Quest benefits if they are not insured through any other health insurance programs. The Hawaii State Human Services Department provides inpatient, outpatient, dental, emergency and prescription drug coverage to eligible residents. Qualified applicants must have annual incomes of less than $2,078 monthly for 2010. The annual income amount is limited to $24,936 for single individuals. For married individuals, the annual income limit is $33,528.

Eligibility Limits

• Individuals with annual incomes over the Medicaid eligibility limits may still qualify for reduced coverage during periods of need. These individuals may incur higher-than-average medical bills for necessary medical treatments. Partial coverage is limited to individuals whose incomes are less than the costs of the treatment. Hawaii reduces its medical-insurance subsidies to the difference between a patient's annual incomes and the treatment costs. Only providers who accept Medicaid payments are covered. Hawaiians under the age of 21 years can receive immediate medical services. The program may also help residents who require long-term medical treatment or services.

Transitional Medical Assistance

• Hawaii residents who no longer qualify for Medicaid coverage may receive government assistance through its Transitional Medical Assistance program. The program helps families with young children pay for necessary medical coverage after Medicaid benefits end. The program is funded entirely through the state government, and residents do not have to pay a fee.