Government Health Care Fails

[HAOLE]

See what happens when the government runs a "Universal" health care program. Someone has to eventually pay the bill.

 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081017/ap_on_re_us/child_health_hawaii

 

Hawaii ending universal child health care

By MARK NIESSE, Associated Press Writer Mark Niesse, Associated Press Writer Fri Oct 17, 3:29 am ET

 

HONOLULU – Hawaii is dropping the only state universal child health care program in the country just seven months after it launched.

 

Gov. Linda Lingle's administration cited budget shortfalls and other available health care options for eliminating funding for the program. A state official said families were dropping private coverage so their children would be eligible for the subsidized plan.

 

"People who were already able to afford health care began to stop paying for it so they could get it for free," said Dr. Kenny Fink, the administrator for Med-QUEST at the Department of Human Services. "I don't believe that was the intent of the program."

 

State officials said Thursday they will stop giving health coverage to the 2,000 children enrolled by Nov. 1, but private partner Hawaii Medical Service Association will pay to extend their coverage through the end of the year without government support.

 

"We're very disappointed in the state's decision, and it came as a complete surprise to us," said Jennifer Diesman, a spokeswoman for HMSA, the state's largest health care provider. "We believe the program is working, and given Hawaii's economic uncertainty, we don't think now is the time to cut all funding for this kind of program."

 

Hawaii lawmakers approved the health plan in 2007 as a way to ensure every child can get basic medical help. The Keiki (child) Care program aimed to cover every child from birth to 18 years old who didn't already have health insurance — mostly immigrants and members of lower-income families.

 

It costs the state about $50,000 per month, or $25.50 per child — an amount that was more than matched by HMSA.

 

State health officials argued that most of the children enrolled in the universal child care program previously had private health insurance, indicating that it was helping those who didn't need it.

 

The Republican governor signed Keiki Care into law in 2007, but it and many other government s

[rch10007]

That's a shame. I really hoped Hawaii was on to something. I guess now, they'll be onto something else.

 

There are many countries that have successful universal healthcare programs. But then again, their system isn't corrupted by insurance companies.

[starkmaster03]

Canada is Government paid and it works great, from what I've heard.

[RedRocket1647545505]

Canada is Government paid and it works great, from what I've heard.

 

I've also heard that it takes 3+ months to get something done.

[SpaceGhost]

I've also heard that it takes 3+ months to get something done.

 

I have a friend that it took 1.5 years to have an ACL Surgery. Mine took 30 days because of Road Rash and After 2 weeks my injuries changed and he let the MCL Heal before doing the ACL. I would have lost my job and maybe would have had to give up my home and cars if it took much longer.

[TTQ B4U]

No thanks....those that want universal health care here can move there and enjoy the whopping taxes, lessor quality of care and long waiting periods.

 

I commuted weekly and worked in Toronto for two years and heard all the downsides to their wonderful system from co-workers and partners that weren't as lucky as me to be paid in USD and covered under my US Plan.

 

Canada is Government paid and it works great, from what I've heard.