Hawaii drops nation’s only universal child health program

Just seven months after launching the nation’s only universal child health program, Hawaii has announced plans to eliminate funding for the program (Source: “Hawaii ending universal child health care,” Associated Press/ Dayton Daily News, Oct. 17, 2008).

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle's administration cited budget shortfalls and the availability of other health care options as reasons for eliminating funding for the program called Med-QUEST. Officials were concerned that parents who could afford private coverage for their children were increasingly opting to use the state program instead.

State officials said Thursday they will stop giving health coverage to the 2,000 children enrolled by Nov. 1, but private partner Hawaii Medical Service Association will pay to extend their coverage through the end of the year without government support.