Keeping Hawai‘i Healthy 2025

Hear from our local healthcare leaders on key issues affecting our state in the coming year.

January 8, 2025

Hawaii Business Advertising Staff,

Dr. Kenric Murayama
Executive Vice President and Chief Health Officer, HMSA

With a new year unfolding, Kenric Murayama, M.D., F.A.C.S., executive vice president and chief health officer, HMSA, shares ways to stay healthy and happy in 2025:

Q: How is HMSA keeping Hawaii healthy?

We’re here to support our members wherever they are in life. Our commitment is to provide access to quality, affordable care. We work closely with our large network of providers, health systems, hospitals, pharmacies, and provider organizations to improve health in Hawaii.

Our Primary Care Payment Model reimburses primary care physicians for the quality of care provided rather than the quantity of services rendered. Key improvements include better access to providers, more ways to connect, ease of member-provider communication, and overall improved quality of care.

Q: What sets HMSA apart from its competitors?

HMSA has been caring for the people of our state for more than 86 years. Members choose from our expansive network of 7,500 physicians, 38 urgent care providers, three health systems, 23 hospitals, 223 pharmacies, and nine provider organizations.

Q: What are some tips for a healthy 2025?

With busy schedules and demands on time, putting health first is important. Eat healthy: Avoid processed foods. Choose fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy protein like fish, lean meats, and tofu. Make time for exercise: A simple 30- to 40-minute walk five days a week with a friend or while listening to an audiobook can clear your mind. Find a hobby that brings you joy: Recharging your battery will help you create and maintain work-life balance, be a better partner to your loved ones, and sleep better. Life is too short to waste!

Dr. Murayama is a respected surgeon, healthcare leader, and HMSA’s chief health officer overseeing the Health Services Division, which advances healthcare outcomes and strategic provider relationships to improve the lives of HMSA members and the health of Hawaii.

HMSA’s goal is to help ensure that quality healthcare will be available and accessible to people across Hawaii for generations to come.

Rising costs and access to care are critical challenges. HMSA’s clinical integration initiatives focus on lowering the costs of care and improving health outcomes for a more sustainable healthcare system in Hawaii. Clinical integration efforts include:

Value-based care models, which focus on quality over patient volume.
Innovative pilot programs that leverage new technology to reduce costs and improve quality.
Collaborating with healthcare partners to optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
Establishing a physician taskforce to address administrative burden.

New Year, New Benefit

HMSA is expanding its cardiac rehabilitation benefit for commercial plan members, effective Jan. 1. The benefit is already available to HMSA QUEST (Medicaid) and Medicare members.

The benefit helps members improve their cardiovascular health through personalized education and support. For more information, talk to your primary care provider or cardiologist or call HMSA.

HMSA is Hawaii’s most experienced health plan, serving the state for more than 86 years. Headquartered on Oahu with centers statewide, HMSA is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Learn more at hmsa.com.