Who runs it
Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF), a separate organization from the ERS. The ERS does not administer retiree health benefits; contact the health plan administrator (EUTF) for eligibility and enrollment. ERS annual report 2024 p. 22, Additional Benefits; Hybrid Q&A brochure (2012) Q16
Who qualifies, as ERS describes it
Retirees, their spouses and dependent children under 19 can get life insurance, medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage from the EUTF if hired before July 1, 1996 and retired with at least 10 years of continuous credited service. If first hired after June 30, 1996, health benefits are available on a cost-sharing basis as long as the member retires with at least 10 years of continuous service. A retiree with a hire date after July 1, 2001 receives coverage for himself or herself only on a cost-sharing basis. Unused sick leave is excluded from credited service for health coverage. Retirees pay premiums above the employer contribution. Retirees and spouses can get Medicare Part B premium reimbursement. ERS annual report 2024 p. 22, Additional Benefits
- First hired before July 1, 1996, with 10+ years of continuous service: coverage for you, your spouse and dependent children.
- First hired from July 1, 1996: coverage on a cost-sharing basis, with 10+ years of continuous service.
- Hire date after July 1, 2001: coverage for yourself only, cost-shared.
The report words the two dates slightly differently ("after June 30, 1996" and "after July 1, 2001"). ERS annual report 2024 p. 22, Additional Benefits
Retiree health rules come only from the ACFR 2024 summary; EUTF cost-sharing percentages and premiums are not in any saved source.
What would settle it: EUTF retiree eligibility guide (eutf.hawaii.gov)Survivors
If Options Two or Three are selected, the surviving spouse and dependent children may be eligible for EUTF health benefits; contact the EUTF at (808) 586-7390. Hybrid handout (Oct. 2026) p. 13
Contact
EUTF (808) 586-7390 or 1-800-295-0089, eutf@hawaii.gov, eutf.hawaii.gov. Holomua Fall 2026, EUTF page; ERS Retirees FAQ page
From the sources
- Retiree health coverage comes from the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF), not from ERS. Contact the EUTF at (808) 586-7390 or 1-800-295-0089.Hybrid Q&A brochure (2012) Q16; ERS Retirees FAQ page
- Hired before July 1, 1996 and retired with at least 10 years of continuous service: you, your spouse and dependent children can get EUTF medical, dental, vision, drug and life coverage. Hired after June 30, 1996: coverage is cost-shared. Hired after July 1, 2001: coverage is for yourself only, cost-shared. Unused sick leave does not count toward the 10 years.ERS annual report 2024 p. 22, Additional Benefits
- Check with ERSThe EUTF reimburses retirees and spouses for Medicare Part B premiums. Current cost-sharing amounts are not in the saved sources.ERS annual report 2024 p. 22
Questions
Does ERS run retiree health insurance?
No. The Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF) does. ERS sends you there for eligibility and enrollment.
Who qualifies?
ERS's annual report says you need at least 10 years of continuous service when you retire. What you pay depends on when you were first hired.
Does unused sick leave count?
No. Sick leave credit doesn't count toward the 10 years for health coverage.
How much will it cost?
Our sources don't give premiums or cost-sharing amounts. Ask the EUTF.
Source: Hawaii ERS Hybrid Retirement Information, October 2026, p. 13. Also: ERS annual report 2024 p. 22; Hybrid Q&A brochure (2012) Q16; Holomua Fall 2026; ERS Retirees FAQ page. Last reviewed .