Migrants will get more time to sign up for health insurance
The federal government is allowing more time for a group of migrants in Hawaii to enroll in health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act.
Gov. David Ige announced today that people living in Hawaii under the Compact of Free Association will get 60 extra days to sign up.
The compact allows migrants from several Pacific Island nations to live and work freely in the U.S. In exchange, the U.S. military controls strategic parts of their region.
Hawaii officials estimate 4,300 migrants who were insured through the Hawaii Health Connector haven’t been able to re-enroll in the federal HealthCare.gov website. They’re having trouble enrolling because of language barriers and documentation requirements.
Officials say the state needs more language interpreters. They say the extra time will help migrants avoid coverage gaps.