Health Care Initiative Meetings Scheduled

Two Big Island public briefings have been scheduled by the Office of Governor David Ige to discuss three health care initiatives meant to improve insurance coverage, health care access, and coordination of care. The meetings are among three others across the state.

According to the governor’s office, the meetings will cover the following three proposals:

• The state’s proposed waiver from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), developed with input from the Affordable Care Act Waiver Taskforce, which seeks to preserve Hawai’i’s Prepaid Health Care Act while also complying with the federal health care law.
• A plan to improve behavioral health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and excessive alcohol consumption, by incorporating screening and treatment for behavioral health needs with innovations in workforce, telehealth, training, and incentives.  This plan is being developed in conjunction with the Department of Human Services, Med-QUEST Division, and the Department of Health.
• The state’s “No Wrong Door” plan, which seeks to help individuals and their caregivers receive person-centered counseling to access health-related long-term services and supports.  The No Wrong Door network will include state agencies and private non-profit agencies that provide support to seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans.

A meeting will be held in Kona on Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the County Council Chambers in the West Hawai’i Civic Center, Building A. A second meeting will be held in Hilo on Sept. 25 from 10 a.m to 12 p.m. at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo College of Hawaiian Language Performing Arts Hall.

To learn more, visit Governor Ige’s website.