Noe: "Hawaii is one of the healthiest states because of longevity and early adoption of health insurance requirements (pre-Obama). Kanaka maoli do not share the 'good health' that other populations in our state have."

These health disparities occur mostly in rural and undeserved communities where Hawaiians are over-represented, where most are Medicaid beneficiaries and members of a MedQuest health plan, but where they still lack adequate access to health care.  Many can't find a participating plan doctor willing and able to care for them. 

The lack of adequate provider networks violates both Federal law and MedQuest contracts, but state officials have turned a blind eye for years and years. 

OHA and others concerned about health disparities should call for monitoring and enforcement of these basic Medicaid health plan network adequacy requirements.

In Hawaii,  these plans get over $2 billion a year and they need to step it up!