As members of the Legislature who worked throughout the session with all stakeholders on reshaping the Hawaii Health Connector, we are troubled by president and chief executive officer of the Hawaii Medical Service Association Michael Gold’s recent call to dismantle the health insurance exchange (Maui News 5/9/14). HMSA is one of two health insurers participating in the health insurance exchange and its representatives have been intimately involved in the formation of the Hawaii Health Connector from day one.
With the legislative session recently concluded, it is very disappointing to hear the CEO of HMSA calling for the shutting down of the Hawaii Health Connector. During the long and arduous legislative session, state lawmakers were extensively briefed by all stakeholders on the Health Connector, by the Governor’s department heads, the Attorney General and HMSA on how to restructure, reform and right-size the Connector.
