Governor Shares Vision for Future of Hawai`i's Health Care System

Governor Lingle discussed initiatives proposed by her Administration during the 2009 Legislative Session to improve health care in Hawai`i through tort reform and other legislative initiatives.

The Lingle-Aiona Administration has sought medical liability reform in every legislative session since 2006.

"It is frustrating for us and for doctors who have watched efforts to pass reform fail in the Legislature, year after year," she said, noting that the success of Hawai`i's 13 public hospitals, operated by the Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation, is crucial to health care across the state.

"We all agree that major labor and structural reform is needed for the system to survive – and thrive.  The State can't afford to keep shoveling money into our current system, especially given our current economic conditions and restrictions on state budget," Governor Lingle said.

Governor Lingle also shared innovative ways in which the state is caring for uninsured patients.

Hawai`i is one of five states with the lowest rates of residents without health insurance coverage, with uninsured residents comprising 8.3 percent of the state's population, compared to 15.5 percent nationally.

The State Department of Human Services (DHS) has reduced this number by doubling income eligibility for the QUEST-ACE program in addition to launching QUEST Expanded Access in February 2009. 

Although the Governor announced last week that the state will scale back free health insurance benefits to low-income adults as part of her plan to close the $730 million shortfall between now and July 31, 2011, the reduction will not affect free insurance to children from low-income families or Medicaid eligibility for adults and children.

"In challenging times, there are opportunities to find innovative ways to do things better; and improve delivery of service in health care and other sectors," she said.

• Visit the Department of Human Services website to learn more.