Do you know of a child that does not have access to important healthcare services? Perhaps it is your own child — or a nice, nephew or member of your extended ohana. Take the time today to sign that keiki
Do you know of a child that does not have access to important healthcare services?
Perhaps it is your own child — or a nice, nephew or member of your extended ohana.
Take the time today to sign that keiki up as part of our new “Get Covered” campaign.
Few things could be more rewarding than knowing you helped bring a child good health. The gift of this critical support in a young person’s formative years will have lifelong, lasting benefits.
With this new “Get Covered” campaign, we’re one step closer to providing quality healthcare access to all children in Hawai’i. Of the 50 states, Hawai’i already has the highest percentage of people with health insurance. This, coupled with world-class medical institutions, a pristine environment, and a high quality of life, prompts many to refer to Hawai’i as the “health state.” But there are still some children in the islands who don’t have access to quality care. Now, there’s no reason that virtually all of Hawai’i’s children can’t get their lives off to healthy, solid starts.
In the past, families earning a basic living just couldn’t afford to pay for costly insurance. Under our new program, we’ve made it easier than ever to qualify by drastically raising family income limits in order to make more children eligible. New eligibility requirements allow a family to earn up to $3,270 a month and still qualify (as opposed to the previous cut-off limit of just $1,538 per month).
Our unique value system in Hawai’i prompts us to want to make sure that every child is cared for —regardless of parental circumstances or background. When a child is living in the islands, he or she is a keiki of Hawai’i. We want to wake up each day to a healthy spectrum of all peoples.. That’s why last year legislation was enacted to do away with the practice of mandating that children of legal immigrants be banned from receiving state health coverage for a period of five years, I want to acknowledge the federal and state agencies, our legislature, and the many nonprofits and community organizations that are assisting us in this effort. We will continue to build upon these relationships and develop an even stronger network of support for Hawai’i’s families. Together, we’re working to make the entire process of securing coverage for a child easier and more accessible than ever. We have people ready to walk parents of prospective recipients through the entire process. Interpreters are even available should they be needed.
From pre-natal care and newborn vaccinations, to dealing with the emotional and social development needs of later teenage years, our children are counting on us. I encourage you to take action today To obtain an application or more information, call ASK-2000 On Oahu, toll free from the neighbor islands at 1-877-275-6569. You can also look for posters on buses, community health centers, schools and elsewhere in our community. Make a difference and help a child to grow up healthy and happy.
