Obamacare comes to state’s rescue

The federal government is finally picking up a larger share of the medical coverage for about 7,500 Pacific migrants living here under the U.S. Compact of Free Association.

The state government had been spending about $25 million a year on health care benefits for able-bodied noncitizen adults, but that cost will drop to $3.5 million once the migrants enroll in federally subsidized plans available through the Affordable Care Act.

Federal taxpayers will pick up about $21.5 million of the cost, reducing the burden on Hawaii taxpayers.

The much-maligned ACA is helping the state in this case.

Ige administration looking for help

If you’ve ever wanted to serve your state at the highest levels of power, you’re in luck.

The deadline to apply for a position in Gov.-elect David Ige’s new administration has been extended through the end of Wednesday, due to the volume of folks accessing the website, many of whom were unable to log in by the original deadline. Resumes must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. today.

As of the original Sunday deadline, 802 applications had been received.

The Ige administration, to be sworn in Dec. 1, is seeking 41 department heads, deputies and other top officials plus dozens more state workers. Those interested in being considered for board and commission positions also should submit their qualifications.

For more information, see http://dhrd.hawaii.gov/gov-elect-ige.