How to Apply for Hawaii Medicaid
Updated August 2026
Hawaii DHS accepts Med-QUEST applications through the KOLEA online system, by phone, or in person at a DHS Med-QUEST office on each island. Online through KOLEA is the fastest method and allows paperless correspondence and document uploads.
How to apply for Med-QUEST in Hawaii
- Online — KOLEA at medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov: Apply through KOLEA, Hawaii's secure Medicaid eligibility application system. Start at medquest.hawaii.gov and click "I Need to Apply," or go directly to medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov. Available 24/7 for new applications and updates.
- By phone — 1-800-316-8005: Call Med-QUEST at 1-800-316-8005 (TTY: 711) for application assistance in multiple languages. Med-QUEST provides free interpreter services — call and state which language you speak. The member services number also handles renewals and benefit questions.
- In person — DHS Med-QUEST office: Visit a Med-QUEST Division office on your island. Offices serve Oahu (Kapolei and Dillingham), Maui, Hawaii island (Hilo and Kona), and Kauai (Lihue). Bring identification, proof of residency, and income documentation.
- Through community partners: Community health centers, hospital social workers, and partner organizations across the islands assist with Med-QUEST applications. FQHCs and community health centers are particularly active in Medicaid enrollment assistance in rural areas on the Neighbor Islands.
What you need to apply for Med-QUEST
Hawaii DHS verifies identity, Hawaii residency, income, and citizenship or immigration status for Med-QUEST applicants. Gather the following before starting your application.
- Full legal name and date of birth for all household members applying
- Social Security numbers for all applicants
- Proof of Hawaii residency — utility bill, lease, bank statement, or official mail with current address
- Income documentation — pay stubs from the last 30 days, employer letter, or tax return if self-employed
- Immigration documents for non-citizen applicants
- Current health insurance information if any household member is already covered
How long does a Med-QUEST application take?
Under federal regulations (42 CFR 435.912), Hawaii must process most Med-QUEST applications within 45 days. Applications involving a disability determination take up to 90 days.
If approved, coverage begins on the first day of the month you applied. Pregnant women may receive retroactive coverage going back three months before the application date. After approval, you will select a QUEST Integration managed care plan — AlohaCare, HMSA, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, or Ohana. Check which plans serve your island before choosing.
Med-QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid)
Visit the official Hawaii Medicaid websiteRelated guides
How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →Approval Time
Federal processing deadlines and what affects your approval timeline.
Read more →