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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, May 13, 2007

Medical coverage for needy expanded

By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Government Writer

Needy adults in the Islands who are working but who can't get other medical coverage can now apply for the state's new Quest-Ace program.

The program started in March and has yet to reach its 20,000 enrollment cap.

"We realize there's a gap with part-time workers and those who are unemployed," said Department of Human Services spokesman Derick Dahilig. "It's basically for people who are barely getting by."

The health coverage through HMSA, Kaiser and Aloha Care is available to singles earning less than $980 a month or married couples with a monthly income less than $1,313.

The new program helps give medical coverage to those who haven't been able to qualify for state aid for more than a decade, due to an enrollment cap that limited the primary Quest coverage to the neediest children and parents. Quest is a state-sponsored medical insurance program for the poor.

The expanded adult coverage is allowed under a waiver that lets the state use $100 million in federal funds over the next six years to offer Medicaid to 20,000 adults without dependent children.

The state has yet to implement the second component to the expansion — opening it to 9,000 children whose families have slightly higher income levels.

Previously, the uninsured could try to get emergency treatment at hospitals or community health centers, which could apply for reimbursement from the state.

That route is still available, but the Quest-Ace program offers a more comprehensive package: inpatient and outpatient care, emergency room visits, mental health services, diagnostic tests, immunizations, alcohol and substance abuse treatments, dental care and prescription drug coverage.

For information or an application, call Aloha United Way at 211; 524-3370 on O'ahu; or (800) 316-8005 on the Neighbor Islands.

Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.