On May 31, 2024, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, convened a roundtable with Native Hawaiian veterans in Honolulu to discuss their healthcare priorities and access issues. During the event, she announced the introduction of the Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act, legislation co-sponsored by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and Ed Case (D-HI). The bill aims to improve healthcare affordability for Native Hawaiian veterans by eliminating copays for services received through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and enabling Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems to seek direct reimbursement from the VA.
“After serving our country with bravery and honor, Native Hawaiian veterans deserve access to quality, affordable health care that is tailored to the unique culture and needs of our state,” said Senator Hirono. “The Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act would improve the affordability of health care services by eliminating copays for VA care and allowing Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems to receive reimbursement for care provided to Native Hawaiian vets. This legislation would finally create parity for Native Hawaiian veterans, in alignment with benefits that American Indian and Alaska Native veterans already receive. I’m proud to lead the introduction of this bill, in gratitude to Native Hawaiian veterans for their service and sacrifice.”
Senator Schatz emphasized equal treatment: “Native Hawaiian veterans shouldn’t be treated differently than other veterans after their years of selfless service to our country. Our bill would make health care more affordable and more accessible for them, which is exactly what they deserve.”
Representative Tokuda highlighted ongoing challenges: “I have heard from countless Native Hawaiian veterans who are proud of their service in our Armed Forces but are frustrated that they cannot get the care they need, especially for those living on our Neighbor Islands. Our legislation would require VA coverage for services received through the Native Hawaiian Health Systems and eliminate copays for VA health care, urgent care, and prescriptions. Native Hawaiian veterans deserve high-quality health care for their service to the nation.”
Congressman Ed Case noted historical disparities: “While Native Hawaiians have a long and proud record of service in our nation’s armed services, they have struggled to access the same levels of quality medical care available to other veterans either because they are unaware of the benefits available to them from the Veterans Administration (VA) or the medical programs and services are not offered where they receive their health care. This measure will enable the VA to reimburse Native Hawaiian Health Care systems for providing direct health care services, thus increasing access to personal care choices and boosting the health and well-being of our Native Hawaiian veterans.”
In 2023, copays were eliminated for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans receiving healthcare through VA facilities. Additionally, Indian Health Service (IHS)/Tribal Health Programs or IHS-funded Urban Indian Organizations can seek direct reimbursement from VA for eligible veteran care. The new legislation seeks similar provisions for Native Hawaiian veterans by eliminating copays and formalizing reimbursement protocols between VA and Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems.
The proposed changes also include updating Title 38's statutory definition of "Native Hawaiian" to better align with current relationships between VA and these communities.
The five systems under the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems initiative aim at enhancing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being among Hawaii’s native population through culturally appropriate actions across various islands.
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