Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state’s largest health insurer, today warned its members that as of Jan. 31 Hawaii Pacific Health hospitals will no longer be part of the HMSA network if the two organizations cannot agree on a new contract.
Hawaii Pacific Health hospitals include Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, Straub Clinic & Hospital, Pali Momi Medical Center and Wilcox Memorial Hospital.
“We sincerely regret any hardship this situation may place on you, and we will continue to work toward a reasonable agreement,” HMSA said in a posting to its web site.
HMSA and Hawaii Pacific Health are negotiating a new contract that covers, among other things, the rate at which HMSA will reimburse Hawaii Pacific Health for services.
HMSA says that if  they don’t reach an agreement and Hawaii Pacific Health is no longer a “preferred provider … you (HMSA members) may have to pay more for your hospital services at Hawaii Pacific Health hospitals.”
HMSA also said, “Health Plan Hawaii (HMO) members who use Straub Clinic or Kauai Medical Clinic would have to find a new health center and personal care provider.”
Hawaii Pacific Health was preparing a response to the HMSA statement late today.