Public Policy Center > Group B

Group B: Insuring A Healthy Hawaii

Policy Issue Brief: “Insuring a Healthy Hawaii”(PDF)
by Susan Chandler & Gerard Russo

Group B collage of members Members:
Bruce Anderson
Rep. Dennis Arakaki
Kat Brady
Susan Chandler
Frank Chong
Garen Deweese
John Flanagan
Aileen Hiramatsu
John Kirkpatrick
Nancy Lewis
John McComas
J.N. Musto
Deane Neubauer
Terry Shintani
Eldon Wegner
Joan White

Facilitator: Kem Lowry

Summary of Work Sessions:
Session I. Preferred Futures and Public Policy Strategies
The workshop participants focused on two major themes: (1) preventive strategies, such as education and incentives, to encourage individuals and communities to become involved in healthier lifestyles and (2) to insure universal, basic health insurance coverage and access for all.

The group discussed a variety of policy approaches to encourage health promotion activities through personal and structural (economic) incentives and disincentives. There was agreement that the schools were an essential partner in ensuring success in promoting healthy habits, appropriate nutrition and exercise. Suggestions also included finding strategies to support changes in the food industry towards producing more nutritious foods and decrease “junk” foods. The preferred future would focus on promoting lifestyles that maximize health and reduce chronic illness.

The second set of options discussed were around universal health insurance and access to appropriate medical care. The preferred future would provide universal health care access for basic medical care, prevention, chronic care and rehabilitative services regardless of the ability to pay. This should be Hawaii’s definition of the health state. More detailed notes on participant input (PDF)

Session II. Public Policies and Recommendations/ Next Steps
The priority policy recommendation was to establish community-based wellness networks that promote education and implementation of healthy nutrition and disease control strategies. The focus would be on schools, universities, prisons, businesses (restaurants), government, faith-based organizations, etc.

The second policy area was to ensure health insurance and access for all citizens in Hawaii. Strategies include expansion of traditional, private health insurance, subsidies for low income individuals, as well as the expansion of the safety net programs.

The group agreed that more discussion was needed as the next steps. They also agreed that the policy center should assist the state in conducting needed research (like the Hawaii Uninsured Project); organize and facilitate more policy dialogs; bring in Legislators, funders, cultural advisors, the DOE, Board of Education, DOH and health professionals to the discussions. More detailed notes on participant input (PDF)

Focus Areas

Group B: Insuring A Healthy Hawaii