Some major changes are potentially afoot for Hawaii’s health care market in the face of labor demands and rising costs.

Two of Hawaii’s largest players, Hawaii Pacific Health, which runs four hospitals including Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children; and Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state’s largest health insurer, are exploring a partnership.

The two confirmed they have been in talks about joining forces, with the goal of addressing affordability, expanding access, and improving long-term financial stability.

“HPH recognizes that affordability is becoming increasingly out of reach for families across the nation, and in Hawaii, the situation is even more severe,” said HPH in a statement. “Our state’s geographic isolation and some of the highest costs of living in the

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