Enrollment cap lifted on QUEST program

Advertiser Staff

The state Department of Human Services has suspended an enrollment cap for its Med-QUEST program because of the economic impact of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The state offers free health insurance for low- to moderate-income people through its Med-QUEST program. But the maximum enrollment of 125,000 had been reached, and the state stopped accepting applications.

Since Sept. 11, however, many residents have lost their jobs or had their work hours reduced. To help these people, the department has temporarily suspended the enrollment cap, effective Sept. 1.

A person whose application for QUEST coverage was denied because of the cap on or after Sept. 1 can have the application reconsidered. Applicants still must meet certain criteria.

To request that an application be reconsidered, or to request an application, call the nearest Med-QUEST Division Eligibility Office: O'ahu, 587-3521; Kapolei, 692-7364; East Hawai'i (Hilo), 933-0339; West Hawai'i (Kona), 327-4970; Maui, 243-5780; Kaua'i, 241-3575; Lana'i, (800) 894-5755; or Moloka'i, 553-1758.