Immediate Healthcare Disruptions as Kaiser Permanente Workers Strike
Thousands of unionized workers at Kaiser Permanente facilities across Hawaii and California have initiated a strike as of 7 a.m. today, January 26, 2026. This action is expected to immediately halt or severely limit a wide range of medical services, from routine appointments and diagnostic tests to surgeries and emergency care for Kaiser members. The strike affects all unionized employees, impacting operations at Kaiser Moanalua Medical Center and other related facilities in Hawaii.
While the exact duration of the strike is uncertain, the immediate consequence is a significant disruption for individuals reliant on Kaiser for their healthcare needs. This includes a substantial portion of the Hawaii workforce and their dependents. The strike is rooted in ongoing labor negotiations concerning wages, benefits, and working conditions, as reported by Star-Advertiser.
Who's Affected
Healthcare Providers
Immediate Impact: Non-Kaiser affiliated providers, clinics, and hospitals are likely to experience a surge in patient volume. Expect increased wait times for appointments and diagnostic procedures. Telehealth providers may see heightened demand for urgent consultations. Providers should review staffing and resource allocation to manage potential influx. Ensure referral pathways and patient communication protocols are robust.
Small Business Operators
Workforce Productivity & Benefits: Employees who rely on Kaiser insurance may face significant delays in obtaining care, leading to unexpected absences and reduced productivity. Businesses should prepare for potential down time if employees cannot access necessary medical attention. Consider communicating support resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and clarifying any company-provided supplemental health benefits that could assist during this period.
Investors
Sectoral Risk Assessment: This strike highlights vulnerabilities in healthcare labor markets and the operational risks faced by large integrated health systems. Investors should assess the financial impact on Kaiser Permanente, as well as potential gains for competing healthcare providers and health tech companies offering alternative solutions. Real estate investors might see shifts in demand for medical office spaces outside of Kaiser facilities.
Remote Workers
Personal Healthcare Continuity: Remote workers using Kaiser Permanente as their primary healthcare provider must immediately seek alternative arrangements. This may involve exploring services from other local health systems or leveraging telehealth platforms if their insurance plan permits. Cost and convenience of alternative care may be a new consideration.
Tourism Operators
Employee Well-being & Operational Stability: While less direct, tourism businesses relying on Kaiser for employee health coverage will face challenges. Ensuring staff have access to care is crucial for maintaining consistent operations and service quality. Business continuity plans should account for potential employee health-related absences.
Second-Order Effects
A strike at a major integrated healthcare provider like Kaiser Permanente creates significant downstream effects in Hawaii's constrained economy. Reduced access to timely medical care for Kaiser members will lead to delayed diagnoses and treatments. This can exacerbate existing health conditions, potentially increasing the severity and cost of future care. For businesses, this translates to increased employee absenteeism and presenteeism (working while sick and less productive). To cope, businesses may need to allocate more resources to temporary staffing or offer enhanced health benefits, increasing operating costs. This pressure on business margins, coupled with potential higher demand for non-Kaiser healthcare services, could lead to increased healthcare expenditure across the state. The strain on alternative providers could also lead to price increases for their services, further impacting overall cost of living and business expenses.
What to Do
Healthcare Providers:
Act Now: Proactively communicate your current capacity and any revised appointment protocols to your patient base and referring physicians. Consider implementing extended hours or additional telehealth slots to accommodate the increased demand. Hawaii Medical Association may have resources or guidance for member practices.
Small Business Operators:
Act Now:
- Communicate Internally: Immediately inform employees about the strike and potential impacts on their Kaiser Permanente healthcare access. Remind them of any existing company-provided health benefits or EAPs that can offer support.
- Explore Supplemental Benefits: If your company offers dental, vision, or other supplemental insurance, remind employees of their coverage. Consider if short-term, limited-benefit medical plans could be a temporary option for critical needs, though these do not replace comprehensive insurance.
- Monitor Productivity: Track employee absences and productivity closely. Adjust workflows or staffing where possible to mitigate disruptions.
- Review Insurance Broker Options: If your company's health insurance is up for renewal or you are exploring new options, consult with your insurance broker about alternatives to Kaiser Permanente for future planning. Hawaii Business eXchange may list relevant service providers.
Investors:
Watch: Monitor the duration and resolution of the strike, as well as any financial implications for Kaiser Permanente and gains for competitors. Analyze market reactions in the healthcare services and insurance sectors.
Remote Workers:
Act Now:
- Identify Alternative Providers: Research and identify non-Kaiser healthcare providers and facilities in your immediate area.
- Verify Insurance Coverage: Confirm with your insurance provider or HR department which alternative providers are covered under your plan and what the out-of-pocket costs will be.
- Schedule Urgent Needs: If you have an urgent medical need, schedule an appointment with an alternative provider as soon as possible via HIMSS or other healthcare directories.
Tourism Operators:
Watch: Monitor employee well-being and any potential impact on operational staffing levels due to healthcare access disruptions. Stay informed about the strike's resolution to understand long-term implications for employee benefits and healthcare costs.
