MEDIA RELEASE

Hamakua-Kohala Health Center has announced overall positive results for 2014, facilitating at least 1,500 helpful interactions between residents and the Hawaii Health Connector.

By linking families with the relevant insurers and service channels, many beneficial outcomes were reported throughout the community.

Hamakua-Kohala Health Center is a federally-qualified health center, operating with their clinic in Kohala as a “patient centered medical home” for nearly 8,000 residents of North Hawaii.

The state’s Health Insurance Exchange, Hawaii Health Connector is a private nonprofit organization established in 2014 to help Hawaii residents understand and obtain medical insurance under the new Affordable Care Act.

Irene Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of Hamakua-Kohala Health Center, said that families and individuals with a wide variety of challenges were successfully served thanks to Hawaii Health Connector.

The funding provided by the Health Connector through Hawaii Health Connector’s Hiiola Grant has allowed the Health Center to meet its mission: To provide quality health care that is responsive to our patients’ and communities’ needs.

The Hamakua-Kohala Health Center provides health care to all people whether insured or not. In addition to increased operating hours this year, outreach efforts include participation in community events such as Honokaa Business Association’s First Fridays, Health Fairs, Farmers Markets in Honokaa, Laupahoehoe and Kohala, and the First Annual Hamakua-Kohala Health Fair in November.

Success stories

In one case, “Sally,” a pregnant mom with a young son, had her Quest coverage cancelled due to paperwork errors.

Hamakua-Kohala Health Center was able to help her reapply for Quest and begin her pre-natal care, and to treat her son’s dental issues right away on the Amazing Tooth Bus.

“Patricia,” legally blind, needed a supplemental plan for Medicare. With Hamakua-Kohala Health Center assistance, she was approved for United Health Care Quest in a short amount of time, and now has a Care Coordinator to assist with her on going chronic disease management.

New to Hawaii Island, “James” and his wife have three children, all in need of health insurance. Because transportation was a challenge, Hamakua-Kohala Health Center met with the family near their home.

In one visit the entire family was enrolled into MedQuest, and soon after the children received their immunization shots for school.

From the Marshall Islands, “Ronnie,” a diabetic, knew he needed to see a doctor right away. Hamakua-Kohala Health Center helped him with its sliding fee scale, and he and was later approved for MedQuest insurance.

And because the center participates in a program with MedQuest for patients who have diabetes, Ronnie now receives ongoing support from our Patient Educator.

Just a small sample of the successful relationships nurtured by Hamakua Health Center, these four clients continue to enjoy the benefits of health coverage for themselves and their families.

The current open enrollment period to sign up for insurance services via Hawaii Health Connector ends Feb. 15, 2015.

For more information, contact the Hamakua-Kohala Health Center at 775-7204 in Honokaa or 889-6236 in Kapaau.

Putting patients at the center of the healthcare system, Hamakua-Kohola Health Center provides primary care that is accessible, affordable, continuous, comprehensive, family centered, coordinated, compassionate, and culturally sensitive.

In addition, the center assists with support services, including the Amazing Tooth Bus, and offers sliding fee scales to help provide services for low-income and uninsured patients. The 340B program provides discounted medication to patients that qualify.

— Find out more:
www.HamakuaHealth.org