Hawaii Senate Bill SB842

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/27/23
• Report Pass: 2/17/23
• Refer: 2/17/23

Caption

Relating To Health Care For Immigrants.

Impact

Should the bill be enacted, it will allocate funds from the state's general revenues to purchase essential health care services specifically for low-income, uninsured immigrants. This funding is aimed at addressing the identified gaps in medical access for those who do not qualify for existing programs due to their immigration status. The bill’s implementation is particularly relevant given Hawaii's considerable population of undocumented immigrants and those with DACA status, many of whom currently lack health insurance.

Summary

Senate Bill 842 focuses on improving health care access for low-income immigrants in Hawaii who are ineligible for federal health coverage programs such as Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. The bill identifies significant barriers caused by immigration status, which prevent many immigrants from obtaining necessary health care services. The legislature has highlighted that a substantial number of the state's undocumented and DACA-eligible residents face healthcare disparities that affect their overall well-being.

Contention

While the bill's objective is to expand health care access, it may generate debates surrounding state resource allocation and the prioritization of services for undocumented individuals. Supporters argue that providing these health services is a moral obligation and beneficial to community health, as many low-income immigrants contribute financially to state and federal tax systems. However, opponents could raise concerns over funding shortages and the implications of extending benefits to residents without formal immigration status, which could influence perceptions of immigration and public resource use within the state.