Micronesians United rallied at the state Capitol today against a new state plan that will cut back on health care benefits to some 7,500 adult Micronesians who are part of the Compact of Free Association.

About 30 members of the group also sat in the governor’s offices for more than an hour after requesting to see her, but aides said she was in a meeting and couldn’t speak to them. No administration officials came out to speak the group.
Elma Coleman, a member of Micronesians United, said she was disappointed the governor didn’t speak to the group. She said they would be back on Monday morning to again seek a meeting with the governor.
“It seems like she doesn’t care,” Coleman said.
Meanwhile, Lawyers for Equal Justice told Micronesians United members that they were looking into filing suit against the state over the health care cuts.
The new Basic Health Hawaii program would save the state $15 million but limits monthly services to 12 outpatient doctor visits, 10 hospital days, six mental health visits, three procedures and emergency medical and dental care. It does not allow for "life saving" dialysis or chemotherapy treatments.
The new plan is to start on Tuesday.