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How to Apply for Hawaii Medicaid (Med-QUEST) - Complete Guide

Hawaii Medicaid (Med-QUEST) · DHS 1100

Content verified 2026-07-17T17:22:00.362Z

Program overview

Hawaii's Medicaid program, called Med-QUEST (Quality care, Universal access, Efficient utilization, Stabilizing costs, and Transforming the way health care is provided to recipients), is administered by the state's Department of Human Services and provides comprehensive healthcare coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. The program operates through managed care organizations including AlohaCare, HMSA, Kaiser Permanente, 'Ohana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.

Adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level (approximately $2,111 monthly for one person) may qualify for Med-QUEST. Eligible categories include children under 18, pregnant women, parents and caretaker relatives, adults 65 and older, blind individuals, disabled people, and low-income adults. Asset limits are $2,000 for households of one, $3,000 for households of two, with pregnant women and children under 19 exempt from asset requirements.

Med-QUEST covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health services, dental care for children, vision care, and preventive services. There is no charge for Medicaid benefits in Hawaii. Children under 6 don't need yearly renewals, children 6-19 renew every two years, and adults typically renew annually.

Most applications are processed within 45 days, with disability cases taking up to 90 days. The fastest application method is online through the KOLEA portal at medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov. Applicants should have all required documentation ready and watch for pink envelopes with important renewal instructions. After approval, beneficiaries must choose from five health plans within the specified timeframe.

Main application form

Application For Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs

Form DHS 1100

Download form

Additional forms

  • Supplemental Form for Coverage Based on Age, Blindness, Disability or Long-Term Care · DHS 1100B

    Required for applicants seeking coverage based on age (65+), blindness, disability, or long-term care services

    Download form →

  • Long-Term Care Assessment Forms · DHS 1167, DHS 1169, DHS 1169A, DHS 8003, DHS 8004

    Additional forms required for applicants needing long-term care services

  • Disability Assessment Forms · DHS 1127, DHS 1128

    Required for applicants with disabilities

Where to submit

Applications can be submitted online through the KOLEA portal at medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov, by phone at 1-800-316-8005, by mail to local Med-QUEST eligibility offices, or in person at Hawaii Department of Human Services locations statewide.

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Hawaii's Medicaid program, called Med-QUEST, provides free healthcare coverage to eligible residents. Adults earning up to $2,068 monthly and families with higher income limits may qualify. The program covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and mental health services through five health plans including HMSA and Kaiser. Apply online at medical dot mybenefits dot hawaii dot gov using the KOLEA portal for fastest processing. You'll need your Social Security number, Hawaii ID, proof of income and residency. Most applications are approved within 45 days. Children under 6 don't need yearly renewals. Call 1-800-316-8005 for help in multiple languages or visit your local Med-QUEST office. Med-QUEST serves over 465,000 Hawaii residents with comprehensive, no-cost healthcare coverage.

Official resources

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Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for Hawaii Medicaid (Med-QUEST) in Hawaii?

To apply for Hawaii Medicaid (Med-QUEST) in Hawaii, complete Application For Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs (DHS 1100), then submit it to Applications can be submitted online through the KOLEA portal at medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov, by phone at 1-800-316-8005, by mail to local Med-QUEST eligibility offices, or in person at Hawaii Department of Human Services locations statewide..

What documents do I need to apply for Hawaii Medicaid (Med-QUEST) in Hawaii?

You typically need to provide: Social Security card or number for all applying household members, Hawaii state ID, driver's license, or U.S. passport, Proof of Hawaii residency (utility bills, lease agreement, mail), Birth certificate or naturalization documents, Immigration documents (if applicable - I-551, I-94, Employment Authorization), Pay stubs from last 30 days for all working household members, Bank statements for all accounts from past 3 months, Unemployment, disability, or Social Security benefit statements, Health insurance cards for any current coverage, Medical bills from past 3 months (if seeking help with unpaid bills), Pregnancy verification (if applicable), Asset documentation (property deeds, vehicle registrations, investment statements).

Where do I submit my Hawaii Medicaid (Med-QUEST) application in Hawaii?

Submit your completed Hawaii Medicaid (Med-QUEST) application to Applications can be submitted online through the KOLEA portal at medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov, by phone at 1-800-316-8005, by mail to local Med-QUEST eligibility offices, or in person at Hawaii Department of Human Services locations statewide..

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