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Nonprofit health insurer in Hawaii, U. S.

Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) is a nonprofit health insurer in the state of Hawaii. HMSA was founded in 1938, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and is the largest insurer in the state of Hawaii serving more than 700,000 people.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) is a member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent medical insurance providers. A nonprofit, mutual benefit association founded in 1938, HMSA covers more than half of the state’s population. HMSA’s headquarters are located at the HMSA Center, 818 Keeaumoku Street, in Honolulu. .

In 1935, a group of Hawaii social workers started a nonprofit association governed by a community board of directors. In June 1938, HMSA established its headquarters in Honolulu with 671 members. In 1946, HMSA joined the Blue Shield Association. During the 1950s, HMSA introduced a Major Medical Plan to help protect against the cost of catastrophic illness. In the 1960s, HMSA developed health plans for senior citizens, college students, and the unemployed. Drug, dental and vision plans, and preventive benefits, were introduced. In 1972, HMSA introduced the Community Health Program, its first Health maintenance organization (HMO). The Hawaii Prepaid Health Care Act of 1974 required nearly all employers to provide health insurance to full time employees. In 1980, Health Plan Hawaii was certified as a federally qualified HMO. HMSA’s health and wellness programs help members stay healthy and avoid costly chronic diseases.

HMSA365 is a program for HMSA members to receive discounts on selected health and wellness services in Hawaii. Launched in 2009, HMSA365 was created in conjunction with the national Blue365, a health and wellness discount program of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The name was chosen because health plan members can receive the discounts 365 days of the year to help them stay healthy and fit. Members show their HMSA card to participating businesses to receive the discounts.

The HMSA Teen Video Awards Contest is open to middle school and high school students throughout the state. Public Service Announcements of 27 seconds receive cash awards and are aired on television. The contest has been held since 2004.

The nonprofit HMSA Foundation extends HMSA’s commitment to providing access to cost effective health care services; health promotion, education and research; and the promotion of social welfare.

HMSA premiums have gradually increased in line with the rest of the nation. Despite Hawaii's increased health care costs compared to the rest of the nation, HMSA premiums have historically been and continue to be among the lowest in the nation