HONOLULU — A Hawaii House lawmaker says legislators in both chambers are considering giving up to $3.5 million to Hawaii’s troubled health insurance exchange next year.
Rep. Angus McKelvey said Friday that lawmakers are figuring out how much money to give the Hawaii Health Connector as they nail down final details on a bill addressing the exchange.
Without state funds, the health exchange can’t survive.
McKelvey says the funding is generating intense discussion.
Lawmakers also are working to increase oversight of the organization, which was awarded more than $200 million in federal grants.
Under the proposal, the board of directors of the Connector would be changed gradually. Eventually, there would be no insurance companies on the board.
The bill has to pass out of committees Friday.