Difficult problems call for fresh approaches and a willingness to be part of the solution, even in small ways.

When it comes to dealing with healthcare and the range of challenges that come along with it — from the need for sensible tort reform to the shortage of physicians to finding ways to address the increasing pool of uninsured — a willingness to test new ideas is a welcome change.

So it's encouraging to see Kaiser Permanente set to launch a new one-year pilot program targeting a segment of the uninsured. Kaiser recently announced plans to offer free health insurance for lower-income, young adults between the ages of 19 and 24. These are folks who earn no more that 250 percent of the federal poverty level for Hawai'i, which is less than $29,900 annually for individuals and $40,250 for couples.

For those fortunate enough to be tapped for the new program, Kaiser will cover the cost of their insurance premiums for one year, to allow time for them to get on a better financial footing and maintain their healthcare needs. And while the pilot program is limited — it's open to just 200 participants — Janet Liang, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii president, said it would like to expand the program.

Clearly the need is there.

Among the estimated 100,000 residents in the state without health insurance, as many as 16,000 fall within the 19-24 age group; nationally, 31 percent of 19 to 24-year-olds have no health insurance coverage, according to Kaiser.

That's because many of them typically roll off their parents' insurance coverage, or tend to hold part-time jobs that lack employer-supported insurance programs.

The program is estimated to cost at least $400,000 per year. That amount could rise, depending on the participants' healthcare needs. The cost of the program will come from the company's existing community benefits package, and will not result in rate increases or additional costs to consumers, Liang said.

Kaiser's efforts mark a small but welcome contribution in dealing with the crucial issue of healthcare in the Islands.

Let's hope other private companies and the Legislature build off that momentum and work together to deal with the entire range of challenges facing healthcare today.