Health Resources for Individuals

This page will be updated continuously to reflect the most recent information. This page was last updated on April 6, 2021.

Congress has passed several bills in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including most recently the American Rescue Plan, that provide important protections for individuals to receive testing for the coronavirus (COVID-19), vaccines at no cost, and other services.  The American Rescue Plan significantly reduces the cost of health insurance for individuals. 

The American Rescue Plan includes premium assistance of 100 percent for COBRA continuation coverage for eligible individuals and families from the first of the month after the bill becomes law through September 31, 2021. This will allow individuals who lost their job-based health insurance to keep their insurance and receive federal funding to pay for the full COBRA premium.

The bill also provides for an extended election period to allow individuals who previously experienced a qualifying event to enroll in subsidized COBRA coverage.  It also establishes an expedited review process for workers who are denied premium assistance for COBRA.  Please speak with your employer and health plan if you think you may be eligible for COBRA premium assistance.

The American Rescue Plan also significantly reduces premiums for ACA marketplace plans for 2021 and 2022.  

How to receive increased premium tax credits for 2021 ACA marketplace coverage: Increased premium tax credits will be available for consumers beginning on April 1. 

Current enrollees in a marketplace plan must update their application and reselect their current plan on or after April 1 in order to receive the extra tax credits for the remainder of the year.  They should complete this step by the end of the 2021 Special Enrollment Period on August 15.

If current enrollees do not update their application on or after April 1, they will still receive the additional tax credit when they file their taxes in 2022.  However, they are encouraged to update their application and review options for less expensive coverage, including options with lower out-of-pocket costs.

If consumers change plans during the Special Enrollment Period, they should consider how much they have paid toward their deductible in 2021, as deductibles may be reset to zero.  This would mean paying additional out of pocket expenses.  Consumers who have contributed significant payments toward their deductible and wish to change their plan should check with their insurance company about options.

Consumers who do not yet have coverage and are planning to enroll in a marketplace plan should apply and select a plan by the end of March through the Special Enrollment Period, which is open through August 15, in order to have coverage beginning April 1.  New enrollees should then update their application on or after April 1 to receive the increased premium tax credits for 2021.

Consumers who have received unemployment compensation during 2021 may be able to receive another increase in premium tax credits.  HealthCare.gov will have more information available in the summer.

For more information about the American Rescue Plan and ACA marketplace coverage, please visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ fact sheet here.

The Food and Drug Administration has issued emergency use authorizations for vaccines to prevent COVID-19, and more vaccines are under development.  These vaccines have been found to be safe and effective, but their availability is limited at this time.  The vaccines are free for all individuals.

For most private insurance plans, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act requires coverage for COVID-19 vaccines without cost-sharing.  Specifically, this coverage is required to begin fifteen days after a favorable rating or recommendation from the United States Preventive Services Task Force or the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.  In addition, private health insurance plans are required to cover all the costs of a COVID-19 vaccine even if an out-of-network provider administers it.

Typically, the Affordable Care Act requires that preventive services and vaccines be covered by private insurance starting on the first day of the plan year beginning after a favorable rating or recommendation, so the CARES Act requires this coverage to begin sooner.

The CARES Act requires a vaccine that the Food and Drug Administration has authorized or approved and its administration to be free to beneficiaries with Medicare Part B and those with Medicare Advantage who receive the vaccine from an in-network provider.

Medicaid and CHIP cover recommended vaccines for children without cost-sharing.  For adults in Hawaii, Medicaid must cover vaccinations without cost sharing.  Please contact your plan for more information on vaccine coverage.

The federal government will pay for the costs of the vaccine and its administration for uninsured individuals.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires health insurers to cover the COVID-19 diagnostic test at no cost to individuals.  This includes private health plans, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, veterans’ plans, federal workers’ health plans, and the Indian Health Service.

The Families First Act provides funding to reimburse providers for testing uninsured individuals, including those enrolled in short-term limited duration plans.  If you are uninsured, please talk to your provider about receiving a test.

In addition, states have the option to extend Medicaid eligibility to uninsured populations for COVID-19 diagnostic testing, and this testing would be available with no cost-sharing.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, a senior on Medicare can get up to 90 days of a prescription if that is what their doctor prescribed, as long as there are no safety concerns.  Medicare drug plans will also allow beneficiaries to fill prescription early for refills up to 90 days, depending on the prescription.

In the past, Medicare drug plans only let beneficiaries receive a 30-day supply of their prescription. 

The CARES Act allows patients to use funds in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRAs) for the purchase of over-the-counter medical products, such as non-prescription pain relievers and cold/flu medications, without a prescription from a physician. In addition, menstrual care products have been added to the list of qualified health care expenses under FSAs, HSAs, and HRAs.

The CARES Act provides new options to use telehealth, and more information is available on telehealth on Senator Schatz’s coronavirus webpage.

For more information and resources, please visit the following websites:

Community Resources: https://medquest.hawaii.gov/en/resources/community-partners.html