Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR203

Introduced
3/10/23  
Refer
3/15/23  
Report Pass
3/28/23  
Refer
3/28/23  
Report Pass
4/5/23  
Engrossed
4/5/23  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Human Services' Med-quest Division To Take Steps Necessary To Ensure That Adequate Provider Rates Are Established For Applied Behavior Analysis Services.

Impact

The lack of adjustment in reimbursement rates has led to significant challenges in providing ABA services to families in need. It has been reported that ABA providers are struggling to meet the demand for services due to inadequate compensation, which could also hinder their ability to hire and retain qualified staff. The resolution points out that the reimbursement rates are not aligned with current market conditions and stresses the need to amend this disparity to ensure timely access to crucial services for children with autism.

Summary

HCR203 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii that requests the Department of Human Services' Med-QUEST Division to implement necessary steps to establish adequate provider rates for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services. The resolution highlights the importance of ABA as a medically necessary service for Med-QUEST beneficiaries under the age of twenty-one with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, emphasizing that the current reimbursement rates, set in 2015, have not seen any increases despite rising service costs.

Contention

HCR203 emerges in a context where families have experienced considerable delays in receiving ABA services, often facing years-long waitlists. The resolution underscores the claim from families that these barriers prevent them from accessing the full range of recommended services necessary for effective early intervention. Moreover, the resolution urges the Med-QUEST Division to submit a report with findings and recommendations regarding rate increases, suggesting the potential for future legislative measures aimed at improving the compensation framework for ABA services in Hawaii.

Companion Bills

HI HR207

Same As Requesting The Department Of Human Services' Med-quest Division To Take Steps Necessary To Ensure That Adequate Provider Rates Are Established For Applied Behavior Analysis Services.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR143

Urging The Department Of Human Services, Department Of Health, And Judiciary To Prioritize Ensuring That Contracts For Government Services Are Adequately Resourced To Cover The Costs Of Providing Those Services.

HI HR125

Urging The Department Of Human Services, Department Of Health, And Judiciary To Prioritize Ensuring That Contracts For Government Services Are Adequately Resourced To Cover The Costs Of Providing Those Services.

HI HB786

Relating To The Department Of Human Services.

HI HCR91

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Establish A Working Group To Address Issues Relating To Reimbursements And Payments To Home- And Community-based Services Providers.

HI HB222

Relating To Human Services.

HI HCR94

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Conduct A Study On The Feasibility Of Increasing The Medicaid Reimbursement Payment Rate For Hawaii's Community Care Foster Family Homes And Expanded Adult Residential Care Homes For Medicaid Clients In 2032 And Every Ten Years Thereafter.

HI HR75

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Establish A Working Group To Address Issues Relating To Reimbursements And Payments To Home And Community-based Services Providers.

HI HCR44

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

HI SB889

Relating To The Department Of Human Services.

HI HR33

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

Similar Bills

CA AB1451

Urgent and emergency mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

CA SB1397

Behavioral health services coverage.

NV SB497

Eliminates a requirement concerning rates of reimbursement under Medicaid for applied behavioral analysis services. (BDR 38-1238)

DE HB268

An Act To Amend Title 31 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Annual Behavioral Health Well Checks.

DE HB5

An Act To Amend Title 31 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Reimbursement Of School-based Behavioral Health Services.

CA AB1429

Behavioral health reimbursement.

HI HR207

Requesting The Department Of Human Services' Med-quest Division To Take Steps Necessary To Ensure That Adequate Provider Rates Are Established For Applied Behavior Analysis Services.

HI SR152

Requesting The Department Of Human Services' Med-quest Division To Take Steps Necessary To Ensure That Adequate Provider Rates Are Established For Applied Behavior Analysis Services.