Hawaii is one of 12 states to receive a federal grant for research and development of policies to provide greater access to affordable health insurance for all residents. Hawaii gets $1.1 million
federal grant to research
health insuranceStar-Bulletin staff
The $1,116,429 grant was awarded recently to the state Department of Health by the Health Resources and Services Administration State Planning Grants Program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Hawaii has one of the lowest percentages of uninsured in the nation but the uninsured grew to 11.1 percent from 7.5 percent between 1997 and 2001, the health department said.
Most islanders have health insurance through an employer or Medicaid. Coverage was eroded as the economy declined and health care costs rose.
"Hawaii is often looked to as a model for other states to follow" and the increased uninsured population is a concern, said state Health Director Bruce Anderson. "It is important that we collect data, do original research and maintain the strong collaboration that has been mobilized in Hawaii around this issue over the past three years."
The Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs will have charge of part of the grant. The institute is lead administrator for the Hawaii Uninsured Project, a statewide coalition of private and government agencies and health groups, legislators, philanthropic organizations, labor unions, businesses and consumer groups.
The University of Hawaii Research Corporation will handle the research component of the grant.
State of Hawaii
