PHOTOS: Hirono Leads Hawaii Delegation in Introducing Legislation to Improve Affordability of Health Care for Native Hawaiian Veterans, Hosts Roundtable with Native Hawaiian Vets

HONOLULU, HI – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, held a roundtable with Native Hawaiian veterans to discuss their priorities, ways to ensure continued access to care, and the need for more peer support from other veterans. At the roundtable, she announced the introduction of the Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act, legislation she is introducing with Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and Ed Case (D-HI) to improve the affordability of health care services for Native Hawaiian veterans. Among other things, the bill would eliminate copays for Native Hawaiian veterans for care received through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and would enable Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems to seek direct reimbursement from VA for care provided to Native Hawaiian veterans.

“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 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.”

“Native Hawaiian veterans shouldn’t be treated differently than other veterans after their years of selfless service to our country,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill would make health care more affordable and more accessible for them, which is exactly what they deserve.”

“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,” said Representative Tokuda. “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.”

“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,” said Congressman Ed Case. “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 health care and urgent care through VA. Additionally, Indian Health Service (IHS)/Tribal Health Programs or IHS-funded Urban Indian Organizations providing care to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native veterans are currently able to seek direct reimbursement from the VA for care rendered. This legislation would create parity for Native Hawaiian veterans by eliminating copays and codifying the same reimbursement relationship between VA and the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems. The bill would also change the statutory definition of Native Hawaiian under Title 38 to better reflect the current relationship VA has with Native Hawaiian veterans.

The Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems aims to improve the health of Native Hawaiians living in Hawaii by advocating, initiating, and maintaining culturally appropriate strategic actions aimed at improving physical, mental and spiritual health. There are five systems, each serving different islands, that offer a range of health care and other services, including primary care, mental health, and fitness programs.

A link to download photos of the roundtable is available here. The full text of the bill is available here.

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