Free Health Ins. for Kids of Aloha Air Employees

Lawmakers Propose Free Health Coverage For Kids of Aloha Air Employees
By Minna Sugimoto
Updated: April 15, 2008 07:20 PM

HONOLULU (KHNL) -- Children of former Aloha Airlines employees, who lost their healthcare benefits when the company shut down, may be getting some help soon.

A group of state lawmakers is proposing a bill that would provide free health insurance for the kids. The measure would expand the new Keiki Care program to include Aloha children who aren't eligible for other private or government insurance, excluding Cobra.

Lawmakers say HMSA would split the premium cost with the state.

"It would be about 800 children from Aloha Airlines that would likely apply for this Keiki Care program," Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, (D) Waianae, Makaha, Makua, said. "And the estimated cost is about $23,000 a month for the state."

The temporary coverage would end December 31st, or when the parent or guardian becomes employed and covered by another healthcare plan.