Health insurance through work (Prepaid Health Care Act)

Hawaiʻi is the only state that requires most employers to provide health insurance. Once you work at least 20 hours a week for four weeks in a row (and earn at least a set minimum monthly wage), your employer must offer coverage, and your share of the premium can't exceed 1.5% of your wages.

• Eligibility: 20 or more hours a week, after 4 consecutive weeks, with monthly wages of at least 86.67 times the state minimum hourly wage.
• Your cost: no more than 1.5% of your monthly wages for your own coverage; the employer pays at least half the premium and covers the rest.
• It covers the employee; family coverage is often offered but isn't required by this law.
• Run by the state Disability Compensation Division (Department of Labor and Industrial Relations), under Chapter 393, HRS.
• Self-employed or between jobs: look at HealthCare.gov marketplace plans or Med-QUEST (Medicaid).

Source: Hawaiʻi DLIR: highlights of the Prepaid Health Care Law (rev. June 2026)

Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.