Caretakers and advocates for the elderly rallied at the state Capitol today, protesting state plans to delay payments to Quest health plans for at least three months.

The state Department of Human Services says the delays are necessary to cover an $84 million shortfall.
State Rep. John Mizuno, D-30th (Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Heights, Fort Shafter), who helped organize the rally, says the delayed payments could hurt the state’s ability to obtain matching federal funds.
The health plans targeted for nonpayment are Hawaii Medical Service Association, AlohaCare, Ohana Health, EverCare and Kaiser Permanente.