HI
Hawaii Senate Bill SCR180

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR180

Introduced
3/11/22  
Refer
3/16/22  
Report Pass
4/4/22  
Engrossed
4/5/22  

Caption

Urging The Department Of Human Services To Designate Two Full-time Equivalent Employees To Assist Compact Of Free Association Migrants To Enroll In Medicaid.

Impact

The resolution's adoption signifies an important step towards improving access to healthcare for COFA migrants, a population that has been historically marginalized. By establishing a dedicated team within the Department of Human Services, SCR180 aims to simplify the Medicaid enrollment process for COFA migrants who, despite their non-immigrant status and rights to live and work in the U.S., have struggled to take advantage of available health benefits due to the complexities of the system. This change is anticipated to improve health outcomes and eligibility awareness among this group.

Summary

SCR180 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-first Legislature of Hawaii, urging the Department of Human Services to designate two full-time equivalent employees to assist Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants with enrolling in Medicaid. COFA migrants, who come from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau, encounter significant barriers to accessing healthcare. The resolution highlights the severe health impacts this community faces, including chronic diseases that stem from historical nuclear testing by the United States and the inadequate medical system in Hawaii.

Contention

Debate surrounding SCR180 has revolved around the appropriateness and effectiveness of the state’s commitment to the needs of COFA migrants. Although many support the bill for its intent to enhance healthcare access, there are concerns regarding resource allocation within the Department of Human Services, and whether designating full-time staff for this purpose could detract from other critical public health initiatives. Discussions have considered the historical and ongoing obligations that the U.S. has toward these communities, juxtaposing them against the backdrop of healthcare funding limitations in Hawaii.

Companion Bills

HI SR173

Same As Urging The Department Of Human Services To Designate Two Full-time Equivalent Employees To Assist Compact Of Free Association Migrants To Enroll In Medicaid.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR223

Urging The United States Congress To Pass Legislation To Allow Migrants To The United States From Compacts Of Free Association States To Benefit From Federal Emergency Aid.

HI SR199

Urging The United States Congress To Pass Legislation To Allow Migrants To The United States From Compacts Of Free Association States To Benefit From Federal Emergency Aid.

HI SB144

Relating To Compacts Of Free Association.

HI SB2105

Relating To Higher Education.

HI SB768

Relating To Language Access.

HI SCR39

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Convene A Baby Bonds Working Group.

HI HCR44

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Convene A Baby Bonds Working Group.

HI SCR48

Urging The Department Of Law Enforcement, Fire Departments And Police Departments Of Each County, Humane Societies In Each County, And Media Organizations Throughout The State To Collaborate To Create And Disseminate Public Service Announcements To Highlight The Dangers Of, And Advocate Against The Use Of, Illegal Fireworks In Order To Protect The Health And Safety Of The Community, Pets, And Wildlife.

HI SCR183

Urging The Department Of The Attorney General To Investigate And Enforce Applicable Laws Against Landlords Who Are Ending Rental Agreements To House Fema-eligible Households Through The Direct Lease Program Or The Department Of Human Services Rental Assistance Program.

HI SCR81

Urging The Governor To Ensure That Relevant State Agencies, Including The Department Of Health And Department Of Human Services, Collaborate To Explore Avenues To Ensure Continued Access To Affordable Medications For The State's Underserved Populations Under The 340b Drug Pricing Program And Urging Hawaii's Congressional Delegation And Relevant Federal Agencies To Monitor Pharmaceutical Companies And Take Appropriate Actions To Protect The Integrity Of The 340b Drug Pricing Program.

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