Hirono tours health centers advocating protection of Medicaid expansion

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Mazie K. Hirono visited Hilo’s Bay Clinic Monday, seeking input about the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid provisions.

Mazie K. Hirono visited Hilo’s Bay Clinic Monday, seeking input about the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid provisions.

Hirono said in a statement that 100,000 Hawaii residents got health insurance from the act’s Medicaid expansion.

“I remain committed to protecting health care as a right, not a privilege, for individuals and families in Hawaii, and will continue fighting for critical funding to support our community-health centers,” she said.

Bay Clinic CEO Harold Wallace said Hirono’s support is critical to ensure the Affordable Care Act is preserved and reforms focus on “strengthening the Act’s provisions.”

Bay Clinic also wants to protect Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Care Act, which requires health insurance for employees working 20 or more hours weekly.