Federal judge has granted TRO to Micronesians over health care plan

A federal judge has blocked cutbacks to state-funded medical care for about 7,500 adult Micronesians from taking effect today.

Micronesians have rallied against the cuts, saying they would leave patients without critical care.

The new program, called Basic Health Hawaiʻi, was aimed at saving the state about $15 million a year.

U.S. District Judge Michael Seabright issued a temporary restraining order against the state this morning, requiring them to continue providing medical care for Micronesians until a decision on the case is made.