Hawaii Coverage for Interns under the Affordable Care Act: A Detailed Description The Affordable Care Act (ACA) ensures access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare coverage for individuals, including interns, residing in Hawaii. The state of Hawaii offers various healthcare options for interns under the ACA, depending on their specific circumstances and eligibility requirements. 1. Hawaii Health Connector: Hawaii implemented its own state-based health insurance marketplace called the Hawaii Health Connector. Interns can explore this marketplace to enroll in a health insurance plan that best suits their needs and budget. The Hawaii Health Connector provides a range of options from different insurance providers, ensuring interns have access to quality coverage. 2. Medicaid Expansion: Under the ACA, Hawaii expanded its Medicaid program, known as Med-QUEST, to cover more low-income individuals and families. Interns who meet the income requirements may qualify for Medicaid, which provides comprehensive health coverage, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive care services. The expansion of Medicaid in Hawaii enables interns to access affordable healthcare, even if they have lower income levels. 3. Dependent Coverage: The ACA allows young adults to stay on their parents' health insurance plans until the age of 26. This provision applies to interns as well, allowing them to remain covered under their parents' plans if they meet the age criteria. This ensures continuity in healthcare coverage for interns who might still be financially dependent on their parents during their internships. 4. Employer-Sponsored Insurance: Interns who work for an employer that provides health insurance may be eligible to enroll in the employer's group health plan. Employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees are required to offer affordable coverage to their full-time employees, which may include eligible interns. This option allows interns to access comprehensive coverage through their employer while benefiting from any subsidies or employer contributions. 5. Catastrophic Coverage: Young adults under 30 years of age, including interns, have the option to enroll in a catastrophic health plan under the ACA. Catastrophic plans generally have lower monthly premiums but higher deductibles. They are designed to protect against high-cost medical emergencies while offering limited coverage for routine healthcare services. This type of coverage can be suitable for interns who are generally healthy and primarily seek insurance for unexpected health crises. It is important for interns in Hawaii to carefully evaluate and compare the available coverage options under the ACA. They should consider factors such as cost, network of healthcare providers, coverage benefits, and their individual healthcare needs when selecting a suitable plan. The Hawaii Health Connector and other resources can provide further guidance and assistance in understanding the specific coverage options available for interns under the ACA in Hawaii.