A Couple of “Hawaii Progress” Articles, “Hawaii lawmakers kill vaccine bill” & “HMSA adding naturopathic doctors as primary care physicians”

These are both “positive” health news for the islands, in my view. Many I know use HMSA as their medical coverage, and to see them now allowing naturopathic doctors to be primary care physicians (meaning, all the costs are covered), is a huge step. Of course, the Hawaiian cultural practice of La’au lapa’au, and others, is still very common, and most of those I know would prefer going the “natural” path first.

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Hawaii lawmakers kill vaccine bill after heated debate

“After listening to Hawaii residents speak out against vaccines and saying they cause everything from autism to the Zika virus, Hawaii lawmakers killed a bill to speed up the state’s process for adopting federal vaccination guidelines. The bill would have allowed the state Health Department to more easily adopt the federal rules, which some opponents of the measure fear would result in more vaccinations.

“Supporters of the bill say it would have helped the Hawaii Department of Health address public health crises quickly. They said given the potential for diseases to spread rapidly, it’s important to be able to adopt vaccination rules swiftly.

“Opponents of the bill spoke out against mandatory vaccinations, saying their side effects are harmful and the people should have the right to make their own health decisions. “We’re all about freedom,” said Renee Kawelo, who opposed the bill. “We want you to have the choice to decide. If you want a vaccine, great. Go vaccinate yourself.””

Hawaii health insurer HMSA adding naturopathic doctors as primary care physicians

“The Hawaii health insurance provider Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) will let you choose a naturopathic doctor as your primary care physician, according to a recent agreement between the insurer and the Hawaii Society of Naturopathic Physicians. This is a big step forward for naturopathic doctors…

“Dr. Marsha Lowry, a naturopathic doctor… “What has happened with other insurance companies is they are auditing our charts and kicking back [not paying for] things like prescribing an herb, and saying it’s not MD standard of care.

“Lowry says she treats patients for auto-immune disorders, endocrine issues as well as pediatric and family care. Right now, fees for an average visit can range from $75 to $175.

“Robyn Kuraoka, a representative from HMSA, says the company is still working out the paperwork process for credentialing doctors and does not have a solid ETA yet for their customers.”