Hawai‘i Eligible to Receive Over $1.1 Million for Implementation of the Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act provides funds for community health centers to enroll uninsured Americans in affordable health coverage
WASHINGTON –The Hawai‘i delegation announced today the Department of Health and Human Services will make available to community health centers in Hawai‘i $1,150,468 million for assistance in providing uninsured individuals with affordable health care coverage under President Obama’s Affordable Care Act. These funds are designed to help 14 community health centers across Hawai‘i that treated 144,427 patients in 2012.
“The Affordable Care Act has helped thousands of Americans across the country receive access to affordable care, and these additional funds for Hawai‘i are just another example of how President Obama and his administration are committed to ensuring health care is affordable and accessible for all,” said Senator Brian Schatz. “Congress must continue to focus on implementation of the Affordable Care Act instead of trying to repeal this landmark legislation. I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress and the Obama administration on ways we can continue to implement this law so that families in Hawai‘i are given the health care they need and deserve.”
“Hawai‘i’s community health centers are already at the forefront of helping Hawai‘i families access health care, especially in rural areas of Oahu and the Neighbor Islands,” said Senator Mazie Hirono. “ I was proud to vote for the Affordable Care Act and to have helped preserve the Hawai‘i Prepaid Health Care Act that helps thousands of Hawai‘i workers receive care. Just last year, the Affordable Care Act helped more than 18,000 kupuna save an average of $375 on prescriptions, and since its enactment, the legislation has allowed 6,000 more young adults in Hawai‘i to get access to health insurance. Today’s funding will help our community health centers get the word out about options in the federal health care law and how people can sign up.”
"I want to thank DHHS for helping provide Hawai‘i residents with quality, affordable health care. Community health centers provide primary care and health services to underserved areas, and connect uninsured individuals with coverage plans that fit their needs. A vital part of the Affordable Care Act is removing the barriers to care for those who did not have access in the past, a vital investment in Americans today and into the future. Efforts like this reach into every corner of our community, and I am committed to ensuring that the Affordable Care Act continues to provide benefits that serve Hawai‘i and our residents," said U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa.
“The $1.1 million announced for Hawaii’s community health centers today will enable them to conduct outreach and connect people with the insurance and resources they need most,” Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “Ensuring access to and availability of health care – especially for those in our rural and underserved communities – is critical to setting up our keiki, our kupuna, and our families for success.”
These funds will help centers hire new staff, train existing staff, and conduct community outreach and educational events so that families in Hawaii can understand their coverage options, determine their eligibility, and enroll in affordable health insurance.
To see a list of health centers eligible to apply for this funding in Hawaii visit:
http://www.hrsa.gov/about/news/2013tables/outreachandenrollment/hi.html
For information on applying for this funding opportunity visit: http://bphc.hrsa.gov/outreachandenrollment/.
Open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace begins October 1, 2013. To learn more visit http://www.HealthCare.gov/marketplace.
Information about the Hawai‘i Health Insurance Marketplace can be found at hawaiihealthconnector.com
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