Paradise Lost

Hawaii has been described by some as paradise. I have to admit, in my limited travels, Hawaii is tops on my list.

But all is not well in the Aloha state.

In 2007 Hawaiin lawmakers voted to provide "universal health care" to ensure every child in Hawaii would be served.

The Keiki (child) Care program aimed to cover every child from birth to 18 years old who didn't already have health insurance — mostly immigrants and members of lower-income families.

Immigrants?

As in non-citizens?

It costs the state about $50,000 per month, or $25.50 per child

Somehow $50k doesn't seem like it should be that much of a stretch. But then, unlike the federal government, Hawaii can't print more money. Sadly, they must rely on taxes to support the system.

What a novel idea.

A state official said families were dropping private coverage so their children would be eligible for the subsidized plan.

"People who were already able to afford health care began to stop paying for it so they could get it for free,"

Say it isn't so!

Dropping existing coverage for "free" coverage.

Who would have thought that?

Obviously the folks who passed these laws never considered it.

Yeah, I am surprised too.

Families with children currently enrolled in the universal system are being encouraged to seek more comprehensive Medicaid coverage, which may be available to children in a family of four earning up to $73,000 annually.

Medicaid is available for a family earning $73k? I guess Hawaii has a different definition of poor.