HONOLULU -- A coalition of local advocacy groups is behind the Honolulu effort of a national campaign warning of rising heath care costs.

Across the country Health Care for America Now on Tuesday launched a push to draw attention to the growing problem.

The campaign is focused on getting universal access to affordable healthcare regardless of a person's ability to pay.

"There are 50 million nationally that are not covered and the situation is getting worse, and here in Hawaii the availability of health care is disappearing," said the Rev. Bob Nakata of Faith Action for Community Equity.

Nakata said shrinking Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements are prompting some doctors to turn away patients.

Of the major industrialized nations, the group said the U.S. is the only country that does not offer universal care.