Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
Volume 26, Issue 2, 2015, Pages 137-145

Litigation and community advocacy to ensure health access for micronesian migrants in Hawai‘i (Article)

Hagiwara M.K.I.* , Yamada S. , Tanaka W. , Ostrowski D.M.
  • a The University of Hawai‘i Office of Public Health Studies, United States
  • b The University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine, Dept. of Family Medicine and Community Health, United States
  • c The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, United States
  • d The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, United States

Abstract

The Federated States of Micronesia and the Republics of Palau and the Marshall Islands signed a series of treaties known as the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) with the United States (U.S.). While the islands became independent nations, certain rights and responsibilities were assigned to the U.S. However since the signing of the treaties, U.S. federal and Hawai‘i state policies have reduced health care coverage for COFA migrants living in the U.S. and its territories. This commentary reports the ongoing efforts of the Micronesian community and its allies to rectify a legacy of unjust policies. We outline the need for sound policies that support appropriate health care to all members of society, and highlight the community’s strength and ability to mobilize for political action. If health is a human right, providing adequate, equitable health care to all members of society is not up for debate. © Meharry Medical College.

Author Keywords

Immigration policy Social justice discrimination health policy Micronesian Hawai‘i health policy Litigation COFA migrants health equity

Index Keywords

human Consumer Advocacy Humans Health Policy Transients and Migrants ethnology health equity health care policy Micronesia Federated States of Micronesia Hawaii legislation and jurisprudence Health Services Accessibility epidemiology migration health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84936120890&doi=10.1353%2fhpu.2015.0065&partnerID=40&md5=7999d9694023654f5e4bf3fac125ea82
DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2015.0065
ISSN: 10492089
Cited by: 6
Original Language: English