Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR75

Introduced
3/7/24  
Refer
3/13/24  
Introduced
3/7/24  
Report Pass
3/28/24  
Refer
3/13/24  
Report Pass
3/28/24  
Report Pass
4/4/24  
Refer
3/28/24  
Report Pass
4/4/24  

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill calls for the establishment of a working group by the Department of Human Services to investigate reimbursement and payment structures for these services. This working group would consist of various stakeholders, including representatives from key government departments, the healthcare sector, and advocacy organizations. The aim is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current reimbursement system, identify areas for improvement, and explore new strategies for enhancing funding and support for service providers.

Summary

House Resolution 75 (HR75) seeks to address the critical issue of reimbursement rates for home and community-based services providers in Hawaii. The bill highlights the essential role that these providers play in delivering necessary services to the state's elderly and vulnerable populations. Citing a study by the actuarial firm Milliman, HR75 notes that the current median direct care wages are alarmingly low, below the twenty-fifth percentile as defined by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. This indicates significant disparities in pay that could affect recruitment and retention in this vital sector.

Sentiment

The response to HR75 indicates a general acknowledgment of the urgent need for reform in the reimbursement structures for home and community-based services. Many stakeholders express support for the bill, recognizing that adequate funding is crucial for sustaining quality care. However, there may be concerns regarding the efficiency of the proposed working group and whether it can effectively address the issues within a specified timeframe, especially given the pressing nature of these service providers' needs.

Contention

While the bill has garnered significant support, there are potential points of contention regarding its implementation. Concerns may arise about the actual progression of the working group and whether it can adequately represent the diverse interests of various service providers and stakeholders. Moreover, ensuring fair and equitable distribution of increased funding to providers of differing sizes and capabilities could pose a challenge that needs careful consideration as the working group formulates its recommendations.

Companion Bills

HI HCR91

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

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 HR33

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 SCR39

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

HI SR28

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

HI SCR10

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Study The Feasibility Of Increasing The Medicaid Reimbursement Rates For Community Care Foster Family Homes, Expanded Adult Residential Care Homes, And Other Types Of Home And Community Based Service Care Providers And Services.

HI SR4

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Study The Feasibility Of Increasing The Medicaid Reimbursement Rates For Community Care Foster Family Homes, Expanded Adult Residential Care Homes, And Other Types Of Home And Community Based Service Care Providers And Services.

HI HR81

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Establish A Working Group To Plan And Construct A Hawaii First Responders Memorial.

HI HR78

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 Every Ten Years.

HI SCR86

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene An Aeromedical Services Working Group.

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