Health care in Hawaiì: an agenda for research and reform

• Published in: American journal of law & medicine 2000-06, Vol.26 (2-3), p.205-223
• Main Author: Law, S A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Plans; Child; Child Health Services - economics; Community Health Centers; Employee Retirement Income Security Act; Hawaii; Health Benefit Plans, Employee - legislation & jurisprudence; Health Benefit Plans, Employee - organization & administration; Health care; Health care policy; Health care reform; Health insurance; Humans; Insurance coverage; Labor Unions; Managed Care Programs - economics; Managed Care Programs - legislation & jurisprudence; Medicaid - legislation & jurisprudence; Models, Organizational; Private Sector - economics; Single-Payer System - legislation & jurisprudence; Single-Payer System - organization & administration; State Health Plans - economics; State Health Plans - legislation & jurisprudence; State Health Plans - organization & administration; Supply and demand; United States
• ISSN: 0098-8588; 2375-835X
• DOI: 10.1017/S0098858800011060

In 1999, the United States Census Bureau reported that 16.3% of Americans did not have health insurance in 1998, up from 16.1% in 1997 and 13% in 1990. The increased lack of health insurance is particularly troubling because the unemployment rate is down and the economy is vibrant. The Census Bureau also reported that Hawafi led the Nation in providing health insurance, with only 8.8% of the population uninsured. This fact alone makes Hawai'i a model for the U.S. Hawaii's success goes beyond providing health insurance coverage. “Coverage is not care.” The state is also a model in terms of providing care through community health centers. Broad insurance coverage, and access to care through community based primary care centers, help to make the people of Hawai'i healthy. Further, Hawai'i's health care costs are lower than costs in the rest of the nation.