The Change
More than 200 Kaiser Permanente workers across Hawaiʻi joined a multi-state strike on Monday, January 27th, 2026. The strike, involving employees represented by the Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association (HGEA), centers on contract negotiations regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions. The immediate consequence is a disruption to patient care services offered by Kaiser Permanente facilities within the state.
Who's Affected
Healthcare Providers
Private practices, independent clinics, and other healthcare facilities not affiliated with Kaiser will likely see an influx of patients seeking services previously accessed through Kaiser. This could lead to scheduling backlogs, increased demand for limited resources, and potential strain on existing staff. Telehealth providers may experience increased inquiry for services that require specialized equipment or in-person consultation, potentially overwhelming their capacity if patient volume surges unexpectedly.
Small Business Operators
Businesses with employees enrolled in Kaiser Permanente health plans face indirect consequences. Employees experiencing delays or inability to access medically necessary treatment can lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and potential morale issues. The duration of the strike will directly correlate with the severity of these impacts. Businesses should prepare for potential employee requests for support or information regarding alternative care options. Companies with self-funded or partially self-funded plans may also see an increase in costs if employees are forced to seek more expensive out-of-network care.
Remote Workers
Remote workers residing in Hawaiʻi who rely on Kaiser Permanente for their healthcare services are directly affected. The strike can impede access to routine check-ups, specialist appointments, and emergency care, creating significant personal health risks and logistical challenges. For those accustomed to seamless access, the disruption could lead to anxiety and necessitate the tìm kiếm of alternative, potentially less convenient or more expensive, healthcare providers.
Second-Order Effects
Kaiser strike → Increased demand on non-Kaiser providers → Longer wait times for all patients → Potential rise in emergency room visits for non-emergencies → Increased operational costs for all state healthcare facilities → Possible upward pressure on insurance premiums for businesses and individuals.
What to Do
Action Level: Watch
This strike presents immediate but potentially temporary disruptions. The primary risk for businesses and individuals lies in the duration of the strike and the resolution of the labor dispute. Continuous monitoring of the situation will allow for timely adjustments to employee support and personal healthcare strategies.
Specific Guidance:
- For Small Business Operators: Monitor news regarding the strike's progression and estimated resolution timeline. Communicate proactively with employees about expected service disruptions and available resources. If the strike extends beyond two weeks, consider establishing a temporary hotline or resource center to help employees navigate alternative, non-Kaiser care options and provide guidance on potential out-of-pocket expenses or the process for seeking reimbursement through their individual plans or employer-provided benefits.
- For Healthcare Providers (non-Kaiser): Analyze your current capacity and staffing levels. Begin tracking patient inquiries from Kaiser members to gauge potential demand increases. Review referral networks and consider temporarily expanding hours or services if the strike prolongs, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and licensing requirements.
- For Remote Workers: Assess your immediate healthcare needs. If you have non-urgent appointments scheduled with Kaiser, contact them to understand potential rescheduling options. If you require immediate care and Kaiser is unavailable, research alternative providers in your area and understand their acceptance of your insurance plan, if applicable. Be prepared for potentially longer wait times at non-Kaiser facilities.
Monitor: The duration of the strike and the progress of negotiations between Kaiser Permanente and HGEA. Key indicators will be official statements from both parties regarding concessions or breakthroughs.
Trigger for Action: If the strike extends beyond two weeks and there is no clear resolution in sight, businesses should activate contingency plans to support employees with accessing alternative care. Remote workers who foresee ongoing disruption may need to proactively secure care from non-Kaiser providers. Healthcare providers should prepare for sustained higher patient volumes.
