The Hawaii Department of Labor is conducting random audits of local businesses to make sure they are providing health insurance coverage to all qualified workers.  Unique to Hawaii, the state’s Prepaid Health Care Act states that employees who work at least 20 hours a week for at least four straight weeks and earn at least $542 a month should get healthcare coverage from employers. Under the law, companies that intentionally evade providing health insurance face penalties, but penalties may be waived if the business quickly complies with state law and pays the medical bills of the eligible employees.

Health Insurance Audits Begin on Local Businesses (Honolulu Advertiser 4/1/05)

May 10, 2005