Q. Why are Kaiser Permanente health plans being promoted through simplicityHR by ALTRES?
A. ALTRES and Kaiser Permanente share common philosophies when it comes to technology, innovation, and a commitment to the long-term health of Hawaii’s businesses and people. This partnership allows simplicityHR by ALTRES to offer innovative, affordable health care plans to employers. These unique plans provide comprehensive health benefits and services to help businesses cope with the rising costs of health care coverage and keep their employees healthy and on the job.

Q. How is Kaiser Permanente different from other health plans?
A. Kaiser Permanente believes that health is about more than just treating illness – it’s about helping you achieve balance in mind, body, and spirit. That’s why KP offers its members resources, tools, and people to help members get healthy and stay healthy.

My Health Manager at kp.org allows members to take care of their health online by e-mailing their doctor’s office, ordering prescription refills, requesting routine appointments, and more. Our unique integrated health care system means members benefit from a team of doctors, nurses, and specialists who work together to ensure the best possible outcomes. So no matter what stage of life, we’re here to help keep your life in balance.

Q. Is there enough "choice" of physicians?
A. Hawaii Permanente Medical Group is the largest and most experienced multi-specialty physician group practice in the state of Hawaii. Kaiser Permanente has over 400 highly qualified doctors, all of whom are board certified or board eligible. Additionally, the Smart Choice Plus plan (through simplicityHR) gives members the freedom to receive their medical services from either a Kaiser Permanente physician or seek primary care from community physicians outside the Kaiser Permanente system. (Access to community physician services is covered up to a $500 annual allowance.)

Q. What about the quality of care at Kaiser Permanente?
A. From our integrated health care delivery system to our advanced medical technology, research, and expertise, you get care you can count on. Don’t just take our word for it. Kaiser Permanente was the first health plan in Hawaii to be recognized by the National Committee of Quality Assurance (NCQA) for our quality of care and service. We have been awarded and have since maintained the status of Excellent, the highest level of NCQA accreditation. Additionally, Kaiser Permanente is proud to have 41 doctors recognized as the "Best Doctors in Hawaii" (as seen in Pacific Business News).

Q. What happens if I have an emergency and I’m not in Hawaii?
A. You are covered for emergency care from Plan providers and non-Plan providers anywhere in the world.

Q. What if my employees want to keep their existing doctors?
A. With the Smart Choice Plus plan, members can continue to seek routine primary care from primary care physicians (OB/GYN, family practitioner, general practitioner, internist, or pediatrician) in the community. Access to community physician services is covered by an allowance per calendar year. For primary care and all specialty care, we can help new members easily transition to Kaiser Permanente Hawaii by assisting with their doctor selection, making appointments, and transferring of medical records and prescriptions.

Q. Can I choose my own doctor?
A. Yes. As soon as you’re a member, you can choose your personal physician from one of our primary care departments. (You can change your doctor later for any reason.) Together, you can your doctor can decide what it will take for you to get and stay healthy. And you don’t just get a personal physician. You get the support of an entire health care team, including nurses, specialists, and health educators, who can help you find the resources you need to meet your health goals.

Q. How can I choose my doctor?
A. You can visit kp.org to search for a primary care doctor who is right for you. You can search by location, gender, specialty, and language spoken. When you sign on to kp.org, choose the tab “Locate our services”, then choose “Selecting a physician”. You can also select “Medical staff directory” for specific details about Kaiser Permanente’s practitioners.