The state is seeking public input to improve insurance coverage, health care access and coordination of care.
Gov. David Ige’s office is holding a series of public meetings on the state’s proposed waiver from the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, which seeks to preserve Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Care Act, the law that requires employers to provide health insurance for employees who work at least 20 hours a week.
The meetings also will focus on a plan to improve mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and alcohol abuse by establishing screening and treatment for behavioral health. Also on the table for discussion is the state’s “No Wrong Door” plan, which aims to help individuals and their caregivers with access to counseling, long-term services and other support.
>> Kauai — Kauai Community College cafeteria: Monday, 2 to 4 p.m.
>> Maui — J. Walter Cameron Center auditorium: Friday, 10 a.m. to noon
>> Kailua-Kona — County Council Chambers at the West Hawaii Civic Center, Building A: Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to noon
>> Oahu — The Queen’s Conference Center, Room 200: Sept. 23, 2 to 4 p.m.
>> Hilo — University of Hawaii at Hilo, College of Hawaiian Language (Performing Arts Hall): Sept. 25, 10 a.m. to noon
CVS confirms photo website was hacked
NEW YORK >> CVS said Friday that investigators have confirmed that the company that manages CVS’ photo website was indeed hacked this summer, possibly resulting in the theft of some CVS customer information.
The photo website of the nation’s second-largest drugstore chain has been shut down since July after the breach was detected. The photo sites of Rite Aid, Costco and Wal-Mart Canada also were affected in the breach.
CVS Health Corp. said it started contacting potentially affected customers Friday. A spokesman for the Woonsocket, R.I.-based company wouldn’t say how many customers were being notified or comment beyond the note to consumers posted on CVS’ photo website.
Producer prices unchanged in August
WASHINGTON >> The prices charged by U.S. manufacturers, farmers and other producers were unchanged in August, the latest evidence that inflation is tame.
The Labor Department said Friday the producer price index, which measures price changes before they reach the consumer, was flat after a 0.2 percent increase in July. Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core prices rose 0.3 percent last month.
In the past year, wholesale prices actually have fallen 0.8 percent, the seventh straight 12-month decline. Core prices have risen just 0.9 percent during that time.
U.S. budget deficit drops to $64.4 billion
WASHINGTON >> The federal government ran up a much smaller budget deficit in August than a year ago, remaining on track to record the smallest annual deficit in eight years.
The Treasury Department said Friday that the deficit in August totaled $64.4 billion, a drop of 50 percent from the same month a year ago.
Much of that improvement reflected quirks in timing related to the calendar. Some $42 billion in August benefit payments were made in July because Aug. 1 fell on a Saturday.
Microsoft names Brad Smith president
NEW YORK >> Microsoft has given longtime executive Brad Smith the title of president as the company continues its transition to a new generation of leadership.
Smith’s full title will be president and chief legal officer. He has been Microsoft’s general counsel since 2002 and became a senior vice president in 2011.
CEO Satya Nadella announced the appointment in an email Friday to employees. Nadella said he wants Smith to play a bigger role in strengthening Microsoft’s relationships and representing the company publicly. Smith will help lead the company on issues like privacy, security and accessibility, he said.
ON THE MOVE
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has announced the following new chef appointments:^
>> Roger Bartle as chef de cuisine at Manta & Pavilion Wine Bar. He returns to the hotel after serving at numerous properties of Laurance S. Rockefeller’s RockResorts. His experience includes executive chef at Nanea Golf Club, Manele Bay Hotel and sous chef at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel for seven years.
>> Rio Miceli as sous chef. His experience includes line cook and later head chef at Bamboo Restaurant, chef and co-owner of Sushi Rock and owner of his private catering company, Rio Chef Services.
