The LBJ Hospital has requested the Medicaid Office for another medical flight to take patients needing treatment off island.
This was revealed by the Medicaid Director Sandra King-Young during review of her agency’s budget for the next fiscal year this morning.
Senator Tuaolo Fruean asked King-Young if her office was planning another medical flight anytime soon.
She answered her office has received a request from the LBJ Hospital as the number of patients needing treatment off island is increasing.
King-Young said the decision would be made by the governor but her office is making preparations for a flight if a decision for one is made.
Senator Tuaolo followed up, but there won’t be any incoming passengers?
According to the Medicaid Director that decision will be up to the governor and the Coronavirus Task Force. Her office will be responsible for patients who will be sent off island for treatment.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic in March there has been only one medical charter which took off island medical referrals, students, and people who were stuck in the territory.
The charter flight by Hawaiian Airlines on July 22 did not bring any passengers just cargo and the return flight had more than 270 travelers.
