How to Apply for Hawaii Medicaid (Med-QUEST) in 2026

Last Updated: January, 2026

Applying for Medicaid in Hawaii is simple and can be done online in minutes.

Hawaii’s Medicaid program, called Med-QUEST, helps low-income families, children, pregnant women, and adults get health coverage through managed care plans.

Quick Summary:

• Apply Now: Visit medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov or call 1-800-316-8005 (TTY: 711) to start your application
• Who Qualifies: Adults earning up to $2,068/month, children up to $4,691/month, pregnant women up to $2,938/month (1-person household)
• Get Help: Call Med-QUEST Customer Service at 1-800-316-8005, Monday-Friday, or visit your local eligibility office
• Processing Time: Expect a decision within 45 days; watch for pink envelopes in your mail
• Choose Your Plan: Pick from 5 health plans (HMSA, Kaiser, UnitedHealthcare, AlohaCare, ‘Ohana) after approval
• Family Benefits: Children under 6 stay covered without yearly renewals; pregnant women get 12 months postpartum coverage
• No Cost: Medicaid is free for eligible Hawaii residents with no monthly premiums
• Documents Needed: Have your Social Security number, proof of income, Hawaii ID, and residency proof ready before applying

What is Med-QUEST in Hawaii?

Med-QUEST is Hawaii’s Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost health insurance.

The program is run by the Med-QUEST Division. It serves over 400,000 Hawaii residents.

All services go through managed care health plans. You pick your plan after approval.

Who Can Apply for Hawaii Medicaid?

You may qualify if you meet these requirements:

Income Requirements

Your income must fall within program limits. For 2026, here are the estimated monthly income limits based on federal poverty guidelines of $18,360 for one person and $24,890 for two people in Hawaii:

For detailed income thresholds, see our guide on Hawaii Medicaid income limits for 2026.

Special 2026 Provisions

• Children’s Coverage: Children eligible before age 6 remain covered until they turn 6 without redetermination
• Teen Coverage: Children ages 6-19 only need eligibility checks every two years
• Postpartum Care: New mothers stay covered for 12 months after birth
• Asset Limits: Most applicants have no asset test

Seniors, blind, or disabled applicants face different rules. They have a $2,000 asset limit for individuals.

Residency Requirements

You must live in Hawaii. You need proof of address.

You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Immigration status matters for eligibility.

Documents You Need to Apply

Gather these documents before starting your application:

Personal Information

• Social Security Numbers for everyone in your household
• Birth certificates or passport
• Hawaii driver’s license or state ID

Income Verification

• Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
• W-2 forms or tax returns
• Unemployment letters (if receiving benefits)

Proof of Residency

• Utility bill with your Hawaii address
• Lease agreement or mortgage statement
• Current Hawaii ID

Insurance Information

• Current health insurance policy numbers (if any)
• Information about employer-sponsored insurance

Having all documents ready speeds up your application. Missing papers cause delays.

How to Apply for Med-QUEST: 4 Ways

Method 1: Apply Online (Fastest)

Visit medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov to apply through the KOLEA portal. This is the fastest option.

Steps:

1. Create a MyBenefits account
2. Fill out the digital application form
3. Upload scanned copies of your documents
4. Submit your application

Most people finish in 30-45 minutes. You get instant confirmation.

Method 2: Apply by Phone

Call the Med-QUEST Customer Service Center. The number is 1-800-316-8005 (TTY: 711).

Phone agents help you complete the application. They answer questions during the call.

Available Monday through Friday during business hours.

Method 3: Apply by Mail or Fax

Download Form DHS 1100 from medquest.hawaii.gov. Print and complete the form by hand.

Mail your completed form to your nearest eligibility office. You can also fax it.

This method takes longer than online applications.

Method 4: Apply in Person

Visit a local Med-QUEST Eligibility Office. Offices exist on all islands:

• Oahu
• Maui
• Kauai
• Molokai
• Lanai
• Hawaii Island

Staff help you fill out paperwork. Bring all your documents with you.

What Happens After You Apply?

Application Review

A worker reviews your application. They check your eligibility based on income and household size.

Some applicants need a phone interview. This is common for aged, blind, or disabled categories.

Decision Timeline

Decisions typically take 45 days. Some cases need 90 days for disability determinations.

The Pink Envelope

Watch your mail for pink envelopes. Hawaii Med-QUEST uses pink envelopes for official notices and renewal packets.

These envelopes contain your eligibility decision. Keep them for your records.

If Approved

You receive a welcome packet in the mail. It includes your eligibility start date.

You must choose a health plan within 15 days. If you don’t choose, one gets assigned automatically.

If Denied

You can appeal the decision. Instructions come with your denial notice.

You have 30 days to file an appeal. The process is free.

Choosing Your Health Plan

Hawaii offers five managed care plans for 2026:

1. HMSA (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Hawaii) – Available statewide
2. Kaiser Permanente – Oahu and Maui only
3. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan – Available statewide
4. AlohaCare – Available statewide
5. ‘Ohana Health Plan (Centene) – Available statewide

Important 2026 Update: HMSA is discontinuing its Online Care platform effective April 1, 2026. Members will use alternative telehealth services.

Each plan offers the same basic benefits. Compare doctor networks before choosing.

You can change plans once per year. Call 1-800-316-8005 to switch plans.

Key Contact Information

Med-QUEST Customer Service

• Main Line: 1-800-316-8005
• TTY: 711
• Hours: Monday – Friday

Technical Support (KOLEA Portal)

• Phone: 1-800-316-8005 (Option 2)

Official Websites

• Med-QUEST: medquest.hawaii.gov
• Application Portal: medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov

Tips for a Smooth Application

Be Complete

List all household members. Even if they don’t need coverage, they count toward household size.

Double-Check Documents

Blurry or incomplete documents cause delays. Use clear scans or photos.

Respond Quickly

Answer any requests for information fast. Late responses slow your application.

Keep Copies

Save copies of everything you submit. You may need them later.

Update Changes

Report income changes within 10 days. This keeps your coverage active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2026). 2026 Poverty Guidelines. https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines
• Hawaii Department of Human Services, Med-QUEST Division. (2026). Med-QUEST Eligibility & Application. https://medquest.hawaii.gov

Ready to apply? Visit medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov to start your Med-QUEST application today.