According to the State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), the following categories of employees can claim an exemption from coverage:
Those covered by a Federally established health insurance or prepaid health care plan, such as Medicare, Medicaid or medical care benefits provided for military dependents and military retirees and their dependents;
Those covered as dependents under a qualified health care plan;
Those who are recipients of public assistance or covered by a State-legislated health care plan governing medical assistance; and
Those who are followers of religious groups who depend upon prayer or other spiritual means for healing.
To claim an exemption or individual waiver, an employee must complete and submit “Employee Notification to Employer” (Form HC-5) to the employer. The employer retains the original and gives a copy to the employee. The employer sends a copy to the DLIR in certain circumstances. The waiver is binding for one year and must be renewed every December 31. For further information, please visit the DLIR website.