Queen's Health Systems Opted Out of HMSA HMO Plan
The Honolulu hospital will not participate in the new HMSA Select Plus Medicare Advantage network on Oahu.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Healthcare
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The Queen's Health Systems has announced it will not join the new HMSA Select Plus HMO Medicare Advantage plan. The decision impacts Honolulu patients as the largest hospital in Hawaii distances itself from the new network.
Why it matters
Hospital officials cited a lack of clarity regarding the operation of the new HMO network as the reason for the decision. While the HMO covers 60% of providers found in the existing HMSA Medicare PPO network, its exclusion of Queen's marks a significant shift for local seniors.
HMSA is closing its existing Akamai Advantage Complete Plus and Standard Plus PPO plans. The new HMO option carries a $45 monthly premium, while new Complete and Complete Plus PPO plans are priced at $55 and $240 respectively.
The players
The Queen's Health Systems
This is the largest private nonprofit hospital and the only Level 1 trauma center in Hawaii.
HMSA
This organization is a major health insurer in Hawaii currently restructuring its Medicare Advantage plan offerings.
The details
Queen's will continue to cover emergency and urgent care for enrollees of the Select Plus HMO. The hospital is informing patients and staff through internal memos, lobby posters, and a dedicated call center.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: Queen's sent memos to providers and letters to patients.
October 15, 2026: Medicare open enrollment begins.
December 7, 2026: Medicare open enrollment ends.
December 31, 2026: Current Akamai Advantage PPO plans close.
2027: New Akamai Advantage PPO plans take effect.
Market Landscape
This move reflects broader tensions between large healthcare systems and insurers as networks shift toward HMO models. By opting out, Queen's is repositioning its service availability against changing insurance structures on Oahu.
Members currently enrolled in HMSA plans should review their coverage options before the Medicare open enrollment window closes on December 7, 2026. Those affected will need to confirm if their preferred hospital remains in-network under their new selected plan.
The takeaway
Patients should verify their hospital's network status during every annual open enrollment period to avoid unexpected coverage gaps. Reviewing the specific monthly premiums and provider lists is essential for those transitioning from closing PPO plans to new HMO or PPO options.
Further reading
For more on changes to local health networks, visit Healthcare.
Source note: This article includes information reported by InsuranceNewsNet.
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