State Department of Health awarded $1.1 million grant to improve access to affordable health insurance coverage

The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) has been awarded a $1,116,429 grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) State Planning Grants Program of the Department of Health and Human Services. Hawaii was one of just 12 states to receive the grant, which will enable the DOH to conduct research and determine policies that will provide greater access to affordable health insurance coverage to all Hawaii residents.

Governor Benjamin Cayetano said, "This grant is a key component in helping us reestablish Hawaii as a leader in addressing the health insurance needs of our citizens. It will provide us with the means to define Hawaii’s uninsured population and will assist us in developing plans and strategies for offering all uninsured citizens access to affordable health insurance."

Hawaii ranks among the states with the lowest percentage of uninsured in the nation, yet between 1997 and 2001, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the percent of uninsured grew from 7.5% to 11.1%. Most people in Hawaii access health insurance either through a unique employer mandate or through Medicaid. When established in the 1980’s, this system provided near universal coverage for the state, but as the economy of the islands changed and health care costs rose, the system no longer functioned as well as intended.

Health Director Bruce Anderson said, "Hawaii is often looked to as a model for other states to follow. However, the recent increase in uninsured rates is a concern. It is important that we collect data, do original research, and maintain the strong collaboration that has been mobilized in Hawaii around this issue over the past three years."

The grant will be administered in part by the Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs (HIPA). HIPA is the lead administrator of the Hawaii Uninsured Project – a statewide coalition of health organizations, government agencies, community organizations, legislators, philanthropic organizations, labor unions, businesses and consumer groups. The Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH) will administer the research component of the grant.

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