A "9-11 Net" program has been established by the state Department of Human Services to provide temporary medical insurance for people who lose employer-sponsored health coverage because of reduced work hours or lost jobs on or after Sept. 11. 9-11 Net program to offer
health care for qualified
isle residents in needStar-Bulletin staff
The medical insurance program, authorized in the Legislature's recent special session, will provide basic low-cost health coverage to eligible persons.
A premium of $63 is required per person. It must be paid by the 20th day of the month for coverage in the next month. Coverage will begin the first day of the month after an application is approved and the first month's premium is paid.
To qualify, a person:
>> Had to lose health insurance as a result of a furlough, layoff, reduced work hours or termination from employment due to economic conditions after Sept. 11.
>> Must have been a Hawaii resident at that time, as well as when applying for the temporary coverage and throughout the insurance period.
>> Must agree to pay the premium.
Co-payments will be assessed as follows: $25 for emergency room visit; $7 per urgent care visit; $7 for an outpatient visit; $2 for each prescribed generic drug or single source brand drug; and $5 for each prescribed multiple-source brand drug.
The Department of Human Services is accepting applications for coverage to begin Jan. 1. Applications should be submitted with a check or money order for the first month's premium for each family member no later than the 20th day of the month before the first month of coverage.
To obtain a 9-11 Net application form and brochure, contact the Med-QUEST Division Finance Office as follows: Oahu residents, 692-7980 or 692-7982; neighbor island residents, 1-800-574-0911.
Application forms also are available at Med-QUEST Eligibility Branch Offices and Unemployment Insurance Division Claims offices of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
Application forms and payments may be submitted in person or by mail to: Department of Human Services, Med-QUEST Division/Finance Office, 1001 Kamokila Blvd., Suite 317, Kapolei, HI 96707.
The department also is developing a program authorized in the special session to provide partial reimbursement of premiums for COBRA extended health care coverage for a person whose employment was affected by the Sept. 11 events. That program also is scheduled to begin next month.