See How Local Restaurants Save

“For employees who work hard every day, HMAA really makes a difference. It truly helps them and has been a great benefit for our team.” — Sugoi Bento & Catering

Why do HRA Members Partner with HMAA?

  • Local, Personalized Service: HMAA is a kama`aina company recognized for our exceptional customer service and responsiveness. We’re big enough to serve, small enough to care.
  • Exclusive Savings: Qualified HRA members can save up to 15% on health insurance compared to standard small business rates in the market.
  • Subsidized Association Dues: HMAA invests in your business. For qualifying groups, we’ll pay your HRA membership dues (up to $480/year). We essentially pay for your access to the association’s lobbying, networking, educational, and other great resources.

Not an HRA member? Contact us and we can help you join the association and qualify for these benefits simultaneously.

Who Is Eligible for the Plan?

HRAs Association Health Plan with HMAA  is available  to a diverse range of businesses in the food service and drinking establishment sector. Your company can also qualify if it generates 50% or more of its annual revenue from those industries.

  • Restaurants: Fine dining, casual dining, and fast food.
  • Bars & Nightclubs: Lounges, pubs, and karaoke venues.
  • Cafes & Bakeries: Coffee shops, pastry shops, and juice bars.
  • Caterers: Event catering and mobile food services.
  • Food Trucks: Mobile vendors and lunch wagons.
  • Institutional Food Service: Cafeterias and contract food management.

Real-World Coverage Scenarios

How does HMAA health insurance help your employees? See the difference our specialized medical and wellness benefits make in restaurant life.

Role Common Issue HMAA Solution Employee Cost
Line Cook Back pain from standing 8+ hours per day Chiropractic & Massage Benefits Low Copay
Sous Chef Wakes up sick at 11 pm HiDoc® 24/7 Telehealth Service  No Out-of-Pocket Cost
Server Costly gym membership Active&Fit® Programs Discounted Rate
Manager Pregnant and needs maternity support Baby & Me Maternity Program Free Support + Incentives

Benefits for the Service Industry

Your employees are on their feet, under pressure, and often working late nights and weekends. A standard “office” health plan doesn’t serve them. Our recipe of health plan benefits pairs well with the restaurant and hospitality lifestyle.

 1. Physical Maintenance with Alternative Care Benefits

Concern: Carrying heavy trays, standing for 8-hour shifts, and repetitive chopping take a massive toll on backs, wrists, and joints.

HMAA Solution: Our medical plans include acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, and naturopathic services. Preventive maintenance for your crew keeps them capable of doing their job pain-free and reduce the likelihood of a major injury.

2. Access to Care 24/7

Concern: Your sous chef is stressed, and wakes up sick at 11:00 pm after a Friday shift. Urgent care is closed, and the ER is too expensive.

HMAA Solution: Through HiDoc®, members can talk with a local doctor online or by phone within minutes anytime anywhere—at no cost. They can get a diagnosis and prescription without waiting for a clinic to open, helping them recover and return to work more quickly. If they feel stressed and want needs to consult with a therapist, mental health concerns can also be treated through HiDoc®. Consultations are intended to work in tandem with your primary care physician (PCP), not as a replacement.

A business leader presenting to a team in a meeting room, representing how healthcare for small companies can improve employee engagement and well-being.

3. Wellness Perks That Boost Retention

Concern: Restaurant industry turnover is among the highest turnover rates in Hawaii. Keeping good staff is a constant battle.

HMAA Solution: Our unique suite of wellness solutions including worksite flu vaccination and biometric screenings, free incentives for expectant moms, disease prevention programs, worksite wellness planning assistance, and other resources can support the well-being of your workforce and boost retention (requirements apply). Our Member Plus discounts and special offers from local merchants are extra perks in their pocket that adds value to their membership.

4. We’ve Got You Covered

Concern: Beyond professional growth and pay, employees look for exceptional benefits and improved work-life balance when looking for a job.

HMAA Solution: To supplement our medical PPO plans, HMAA offers vision benefits, prescription drug, dental and orthodontia, life/AD&D insurance, and Active&Fit ® coverage. Our dental plans are especially popular in the food industry, covering annual cleanings which are vital for hygiene.

    Ready to Lower Your Overhead?

    Don’t let rising health insurance costs eat into your profits. Join the hundreds of Hawaii restaurants—from small plate lunch spots to fine dining establishments—that trust HMAA to protect their ‘ohana. Our medical PPO plans and ancillary benefits are fully compliant with state and federal laws.

    Request a Quote

    How to Get Started

    Getting covered is simple. You do not need to be an HRA member to start the conversation.

    1. Request a Quote: Fill out our simple form with your business information.
    2. Review Proposal: We’ll contact you and discuss pricing options to compare with market rates.
    3. Join HRA: If you like the savings and benefits, we’ll help you join Hawaii Restaurant Association with subsidized dues.
    4. Enroll: We onboard your employees with our expert support team.
    Remote worker attending an online team meeting | Health insurance for remote workers

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    1. Do I have to be an HRA member to get a proposal?

    No, you don’t need to be an HRA  member to receive a proposal. You can request a free quote from us first. If you choose to enroll with HMAA, we can help you coordinate your Hawaii Restaurant Association membership application so you qualify for our exclusive rates immediately.

    2. Will HMAA cover all of my restaurant staff?

    Coverage depends on the number of hours they work. In Hawaii, the Prepaid Health Care Act mandates coverage for employees working at least 20 hours a week for four consecutive weeks. Other requirements apply.

    3. How does the dues work?

    If your company qualifies and enrolls in the HMAAs Association Health Plan, we’ll pay up to $480 per year toward your HRA membership dues. For most small to medium-sized restaurants, this covers 100% of your association dues. This supports the association that works for your industry’s interests while lowering your operational costs.

    4. My restaurant is located on Maui. Can we enroll with HMAA?

    Absolutely. We serve restaurants across the entire state of Hawaii. Our provider network is accessible statewide, as well as on the Mainland. Our free HiDoc® telemedicine service is particularly valuable for Neighbor Island members, enabling them to access non-emergent care without the cost and travel time.

    5. Can I offer different plans to management vs. waitstaff?

    Yes, you can have different benefit offerings by employee classifications contingent on requirements. Contact our team to build a custom structure for your business.

    Not in the Restaurant Business?

    We’ve partnered with local Associations specialized in other key industries to provide the same tailored health plan benefits. If your businesses operates in a different sector, check our other industry pages or contact HMAA to discuss other coverage options.

    If your industry isn’t listed, contact us to explore options.

    A smiling patient talking with a healthcare worker at a clinic front desk, representing how health insurance for small business employees supports well-being and culture.