More Hawaii children will
now qualify for QUEST

Children in families of four earning about $76,000 annually may now qualify for the state's free QUEST and Medicaid programs as the family income limit has been increased by about $3,000 from last year. The new gross monthly income limits range from $3,117 for a one-member household to $8,490 for a six-member family and $12,792 for a ten-member family. Each additional person is $1,074.

About 16,000 uninsured children and youths in the islands without health insurance could be eligible for coverage under the new income limits, according to Hawaii Covering Kids, a project of the Hawaii Primary Care Association. Eligibility is based on household size, income and citizenship or immigration status. A simplified application makes it easy to sign up.

Because of the economic slump, Hawaii Covering Kids and its 200 federal, state, business and community partners are working to enroll eligible uninsured children in the free health insurance programs. Coverage connects children and pediatricians who provide regular preventive care. It also reassures parents and guardians that injuries or sudden illnesses can be treated at emergency rooms without incurring exorbitant medical bills.

Click here for more information and to download a QUEST and Medicaid application. Parents and guardians can also call 211 free from all islands to request an application and link each family to an outreach worker for help with eligibility questions and completing the form.