In HNN’s new livestream show “Covering the Cost with Annalisa Burgos,” we break down the numbers behind Hawaii’s affordability crisis in candid conversations with financial experts, entrepreneurs and community leaders.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – In the next episode of “Covering the Cost” on May 6 at 12:30 p.m., Annalisa Burgos talks with Dan Haire, president and CEO, Navian Hawaii, about the cost of healthcare for those suffering from serious and terminal illnesses.
Navian is a non-profit that provides hospice and palliative care for patients with serious illnesses, like dementia or cancer, focusing on comfort, dignity, and support for families.
Palliative care can begin at diagnosis of a serious illness and run alongside curative treatment, while hospice care is for individuals with a prognosis of six months or less who are no longer seeking curative treatment.
While hospice and palliative care are not just for seniors, the vast majority who need that specialized care are over the age of 65.
Hawaii has the highest average life expectancy in the nation of 80.7 years, which is fueling the high demand for geriatric care. Data shows Hawaii hospice users are more likely to receive care in their own home (74.1%) compared to the national average (52.0%).
A recent CareScout study ranked Hawaii no. 1 for fastest rising senior care costs and in the top 10 across four care settings: a private room in a nursing home rose 34.4%, a semi-private room jumped 44.9%, adult day health care climbed 69.4%, and assisted living costs rose 36.9%.
How can families afford these costs? Medicare insurance covers hospice care, but what does it cost families when quality care isn’t available?
Also, health advocates say when hospice isn’t engaged early, families experience caregiver burnout, loved ones endure unmanaged pain, hospital bills escalate and emotional trauma increases.
Haire will explain how hospice and palliative care focus on comfort and symptom management, address emotional, spiritual and family needs, reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and improve quality of life.
Advocates say hospice should not be viewed as a last resort and is misunderstood as for “only the last few days.” Nationally, many patients enroll in hospice too late, often in the last 7–10 days of life. In reality, earlier access leads to better outcomes and lower costs.
Hospice reimbursement to care providers is a flat daily rate, regardless of how intensive care needs may be. So Navian and other nonprofit providers rely on philanthropy, community fundraising, grants and operational efficiency to cover costs.
Advocates say the real cost question is not “Can we afford hospice?” It’s “Can we afford not to provide it?”
That’s why they want to expand access to palliative care earlier in serious illness, adjust reimbursement models to reflect regional cost differences, support caregiver resources and recognize hospice as preventative healthcare spending.
Catch “Covering the Cost with Annalisa Burgos” Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. online, on HNN’s streaming app and anywhere you get your podcasts.
From skyrocketing housing prices to the country’s highest tax burden, Annalisa is covering the cost of aloha in America’s most expensive state and offering practical strategies, policy insights, and honest talk about what it really takes to call Hawaii home.
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