Disappeared News

by Larry Geller

A Democratic governor will have achieved what even the Republicans didn’t dare to do—remove Hawaii’s special health care protections.  The result, aside from costing citizens of the state pain, suffering and even death, will bring profit to the health insurance companies.

Of course, the Legislature passed SB1274, the bill that removes a patient’s right to appeal insurance company denials to the Insurance Commission. Their motivation for doing that should be examined. But the Governor could have vetoed it. Also, as the Star-Advertiser breaking news reports, he does plan to veto a bill that was intended to protect our health care:

Gov. Neil Abercrombie notified state House and Senate leaders on Monday that he may veto 23 bills, including a bill intended to protect the state's landmark Prepaid Health Care Act.
…
Among the potential vetoes is a bill that removes provisions of the Prepaid Health Care Act that sunset the act in the event of a national health care plan

[Star-Advertiser, Abercrombie may veto 23 bills, 6/27/2011]

As I understand it, there is only one governor’s message of intent to veto bills. When that list was posted, I read it a couple of times looking for SB1247. It wasn’t there. That means that the bill will become law.

Yes, it will be party time at HMSA, Evercare and the other insurance companies. But sad for those of us who may become ill and are denied treatment or medication. And that will include legislators and their families along with other public workers.

Update: Although not posted yet on the Capitol website, it appears that Gov. Abercrombie has signed SB1274 into law today.

Permalink posted by Larry @ 6/27/2011 06:14:00 PM