In The News
Lawmakers Plan to Tackle Medical Crisis
October 25, 2008
By Olena Rubin, KHON
The country’s current economic situation is not only threatening the financial markets, but also Hawaii’s health care system.
The problem has become so big that Hawaii lawmakers are promising to confront the crisis head-on.
With sky rocketing medical costs and health care coverage far from each Hawaii lawmakers are taking action.
“I pledge to the idea of universal care,” Rep. Neil Abercrombie said.
The state, already with a shortage of doctors, continues to lose specialists due to low reimbursements, medical malpractice lawsuits and a significant lack of health insurance for patients.
“And what are people going to do when we don’t have any doctors what are they going to do when we don’t have any hospitals?” Kahuku resident Bev Van Kinkle said.
Van Kinkle underwent several surgeries a few years ago and has finally recovered…now she says she been cut off from Medicaid.
“In the mean time I am going to try and stay healthy because if I don’t…what am I facing?” Van Kinkle said.
The price of health care in Hawaii is among the highest in the country and even though some Medicare rates were recently raised 20%, others say it’s not enough to cover the cost of basic services.
“Well we are going to have a look-see at the Medicaid and Medicare programs to make it a bit more realistic going to try to cut back the cost of warfare,” Sen. Daniel Inouye said.
“We are going to change those Medicare formulas we are going to work with the legislature we are going to bring the funds that are necessary,” Rep. Abercrombie said.
Other senior citizens say the government hasn’t lived up to its end of the bargain to enact the state law requiring a price negotiation with drug companies.
“Seniors, people with low income and people with disabilities are not getting the discounts that they should get,” Kokua Council Larry Gellar said.
However Hawaii’s prepaid health care act requires employers to provide health insurance to full time workers…but what about those who don’t work?
“The way I am trying to find out is by re applying you know 14 page application and I will send it in,” Van Kinkle said.
“Things will change in Washington applause,” Sen. Inouye said.
Hawaii lawmakers are in the process of scheduling hearings regarding the states Medicaid contracts.
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