HEALTH

Hawaiians Happy With Mandated Health Coverage: Hawaiians are happier with their state’s health care system than most Americans, according to a survey by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. The state of Hawaii requires almost all employers to provide health insurance, a type of plan that has met stiff resistance from small business in California. In addition, a state insurance program provides coverage to those not covered by employers or Medicaid. In Hawaii, only 12% of residents are dissatisfied with their health care, compared to 26% nationwide. Only 7% of Hawaiians are uncovered by health insurance, compared to 14% for all Americans. While 30% of Americans said they had postponed needed health care because of cost, only 17% of Hawaiians did.