Senator Hirono Hears from Hawaii Health Care Center Staff, Leads Efforts to Improve ACA

HONOLULU – Senator Mazie K. Hirono today met with Kalihi-Palama Health Center leadership and staff to tour the center’s new facility and discuss how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has benefited Hawaii’s community health centers (CHCs) and their patients. Today’s meeting coincides with National Health Center Week, celebrating America’s health centers and promoting healthier communities. 

“Community health centers, like Kalihi-Palama Health Center, provide critical health care services to Hawaii residents and the communities they serve,” said Senator Hirono. “I will continue fighting to protect the gains we have made under the ACA, and will work to support bipartisan reforms that would improve our nation’s health care system – while not diminishing what we have achieved under the Hawaii Prepaid Health Care Act.”

CHCs currently receives increased funding through the ACA, and extended funding through the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) that Senator Hirono voted for in 2015. However, this funding level will expire on September 30, 2017, absent Congressional action. Earlier this year, Senator Hirono signed a bipartisan letter in support of CHCs through the annual appropriations process.

As part of the August work period, Senator Hirono is conducting a series of meetings with health care leaders and providers on the ACA and ways to improve our health care system. Yesterday, she met with state agencies to receive their insights on health care in Hawaii. 

Senator Hirono meets with Kalihi-Palama Health Center CEO & Executive Director Emmanuel Kintu and staff

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