Couple of questions in regards to Kauai (real estate, health insurance)

[bresdo]

I was told a little about Kamaina (SP?) what exactly is it and where would it apply. It gives you the local discount to some tourist stores I know. Can you use it for hotels or airfare. We want to be able to travel to the other islands it would be great if you get a resident rate versus tourist.

Health insurance, I currently pay a fortune every month to Blue Cross of California and have to change over when we move. Any thing good you can suggest, think someone told me there is only HMO?

Thanks for your time...

Bobby

[whynot?]

Kama'aina means "long-time resident." Kama`aina discounts/status are often (oddly) dependent upon one's having a Hawaii driver's license. I do not know why they choose this v. paying real estate taxes, utilities, or other possible "residence" proofs. They are commonly 15-20% off, but can be more, depending up on the service or product being offered. Many hotels offer substantial kama`aina discounts (often dependent upon "availability"), but I have not found any airline subsidies. Some restaurants, golf courses, etc., offer kama'aina deals, but it hardly makes up for the cost-of-living premium. I do not mean to sound negative, but you shouldn't count on it to keep your expenses at your current level. It does not apply to groceries and gas, for example.

It's my understanding that employers must offer health insurance over here. I am retired, so it does not affect me. Kaiser-Permanente seems to have a huge HMO presence, but a simple Google search reveals many coverage options. If you want to keep your California Blue Cross, you can check into whether you have to actually reside in California -- some companies require only that you "be there" (occasionally?) in order to maintain coverage. Obviously, if you have kids, this is more important than if it's just for yourself.

[Mar0]

A lot of the tourist activities and hotels offer kama'aina discounts. For example the kama'aina rate at the Hyatt and Sheraton is about $150...compared to three times that.

I feel like Kaiser isn't as big here as it is on O'ahu. I have HMSA because of that reason and also because it is a lot cheaper for me. And the above poster is correct in their thinking. Companies must provide health insurance. Also, I used to have HMSA PPO, so you can also opt for a PPO plan over HMO....