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Kokua Line
Question: Can you find out the status of the HMSA 65C Plus insurance program? At one time, we were told that we eventually needed to change to another program because the 65C Plus program was being phased out on Dec. 31, 2002, and that no new applications were being accepted. Then we received information that 65C Plus was being extended to Dec. 31, 2004. Now I read that the program is accepting new applications. Has the situation changed? HMSA 65C Plus
extended through 2004Answer: Yes.
Cliff Cisco, HMSA's senior vice president, explained that Congress had imposed a 2002 "sunset" on contracts like Plan 65C Plus. So, the plan was closed to new enrollment on Jan. 1, 1999.
However, recent legislation -- the Balanced Budget Refinement Act -- has moved the sunset date to the end of 2004, Cisco said.
He explained that Plan 65C Plus is a contract between HMSA and the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) to provide Medicare Part A and B benefits, as well as supplemental benefits, in one program.
Because of its popularity among Hawaii's seniors and the continuing demand for the program, he said HMSA and HCFA agreed to reopen enrollment.
About 33,000 people are currently enrolled in 65C Plus.
Public notices that the plan has been reopened for Medicare enrollees was posted on Oct. 18 and 22, and Nov. 8 and 12, Cisco said.
Meanwhile, a "dues rate adjustment" for the plan will kick in on Jan. 1.
The dues hike -- from $68 to $72.75 -- will be the first increase in four years, Cisco said, and reflects the increased cost of covering deductibles, co-payments and increased benefits.
Q: The H-1 Freeway, east-bound, from Fort Shafter to the Kalihi Street overpass, is in terrible condition. Are they going to continue the repaving of the freeway up to that area?
A: Resurfacing work along that section of the freeway is scheduled to be done in 2002, according to state Department of Transportation spokeswoman Marilyn Kali.
The work is in the preliminary design stage.
"A consultant is being hired to do the design and it will go out to bid next year," Kali said.
Q: What is the official rule that governs the use of the Express lane after 8 a.m.? The express lane on the airport viaduct has signs posted that say it is open from 5:30 to 8 a.m. The HOV lane has signs proclaiming the same hours -- the only difference is the number of passengers in a vehicle and the word "open" on the express lane sign. The HOV lane can be used by driver-only cars after 8 a.m., whereas, it appears the express lane cannot.
A: The express lane is an extension of the Zipper Lane and is for buses only.
It's open to other vehicles only between 5:30 and 8 a.m. That's because it really is only meant to be the shoulder lane.
So, "people using it after 8 a.m. are using it illegally," said state Department of Transportation spokeswoman Marilyn Kali.
Meanwhile, the HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lanes are restricted to cars with two or more people, only between 5:30 and 8 a.m., she said.
Auwe
To people who park within 4 feet of a private driveway. Not only is it illegal, but it is very inconsiderate to block the homeowner's right of way. Also, a parking ticket would be very costly.-- No name
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