Gov allows health
insurance for needy

Cayetano makes the first use
of his new emergency powers

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By Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.com

For the first time, Gov. Ben Cayetano exercised his recently enacted emergency powers to help provide low-cost health insurance for people who have lost their jobs since the terrorist attacks occurred more than two months ago.

Cayetano expedited new rules to implement an alternative medical insurance program.

"From the onset of Sept. 11, we pledged to take care of Hawaii's working people first, and I am proud that our first action under the executive-powers law will provide access to health insurance for those who lost their jobs," Cayetano said.

Legislative leaders supported the governor in providing a program for those affected by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, after which the economy hit the skids, affected by the heavy downturn in visitors.

Earlier this month, legislators heavily debated whether to grant the governor special emergency powers to waive restrictions and laws. But a compromise was hatched with Cayetano accepting those powers only in relationship to new laws enacted because of the sour economy.

Senate President Robert Bunda said, "I feel rather comfortable he's taking action."

House Minority Leader Galen Fox said, "I'm glad he was able to move on to some action to help people in need."

There are people who have lost their jobs who do not qualify under Med-QUEST, Fox said. "They need coverage immediately."

More than 31,000 isle residents have filed unemployment claims since the Sept. 11 attacks, according to state figures.

Cayetano told lawmakers he approved a request by the state Department of Human Services to adopt new rules to create the "9-11 Net Program."

For a limited time, the new program will provide medical insurance at a low cost for those who lost their health insurance coverage from furloughs, layoffs, reduction in work hours or termination due to the economic strain in the isles since Sept. 11.

Under "Skinny QUEST," those affected by the terrorist attacks will be able to purchase health coverage for $63 a month, Bunda said. The program would be implemented on Dec. 4. It will allow medical coverage to take effect in January 2002 for those eligible. Cayetano also updated legislative leaders on hotel construction and concession fees for airport businesses.