The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association (HSTA) is advising its members to evaluate their current health plan enrollments during the upcoming open enrollment period for the 2025 Hawaiʻi Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF). Open enrollment begins on May 1 and ends on May 30. Members who are satisfied with their current plans need not take any action unless they intend to make changes.
During this period, members can add or change their plans, including adding or removing dependents and changing coverage levels. For those wishing to keep existing plans, no forms are required. However, members making changes must use the EUTF Member self-service portal or submit a completed EC-1 enrollment form by May 30 for changes to take effect on July 1.
Significantly, dependent children aged 19-25 will be eligible to enroll in EUTF dental and vision coverage, regardless of their student, marital, or living status. This is one of the new features for the 2025-2026 enrollment period.
The HSTA also announced a key development in reopener negotiations regarding employer contributions to health premiums. The negotiations have resulted in increased employer contributions, amending the latter years of the 2023–2027 HSTA contract. Previously, contributions were capped at 2024–2025 rates, forcing employees to absorb premium increases. Now, the employer will continue using a 60% contribution formula, with a 90% cap, resulting in an additional $7.5 million in contributions per year for the following two years.
“Previously, employer contributions for health premiums were capped at 2024–2025 rates through 2026–2027,” the announcement stated. The adjustments in the contribution formula are expected to provide substantial financial relief for members.
HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr. and HSTA Deputy Executive Director Andrea Eshelman have further elaborated on these developments in a detailed video presentation.
