Med-QUEST families eligible for $50 for well-child exams
Victoria Budiono, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Sat, January 3, 2026 at 5:07 PM UTC
2 min read
The state Department of Human Services is reminding families enrolled in Med-QUEST that they may be eligible for a $50 incentive for each child who completes a well-child examination through the Hawaii Child Wellness Incentive Program.
The program, known as HCWIP, was created by the Legislature under Act 127 in 2022 as a pilot effort to encourage routine preventive care and early detection of health concerns among keiki. Parents or guardians enrolled in Medicaid or Med-QUEST can receive a $50 incentive card per child, once each calendar year, after a qualifying well-child visit.
“Every child in Hawaii deserves the chance to grow up healthy and supported, ” DHS Director Ryan Yamane said. “This program helps families stay connected to regular checkups that protect the long-term well-being of our keiki and strengthen the health of our communities.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Parents receiving Medicaid or QUEST with children under age 18, including adopted and stepchildren, may qualify. The child does not need to be covered by Medicaid to be eligible for the incentive.
To receive the $50 card, parents must take their child to a licensed health care professional for a well-child examination. After the provider certifies the visit and submits the required form to Med-QUEST, a prepaid $50 incentive card will be mailed to the parent within four to six weeks. The card can be used to buy food and other household necessities.
The incentive is issued as a prepaid, debit-style card that can be used at U.S.
retailers that accept debit cards. The card cannot be used to withdraw cash and expires one year after it is issued. The balance may be used until fully spent, but it cannot be used to purchase alcohol, firearms or illegal drugs.
More information is available at. Families with questions can call the HCWIP customer service line at 833-909-3631. For auxiliary aids, services or disability accommodations, assistance is available at 808-900-5570 or by email at HCWIP @dhs.hawaii.gov.