HI
Hawaii House Bill HR172

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR172

Introduced
3/7/25  

Caption

Supporting The Reactivation Of, And Urging The Governor To Appoint Members To, The Hawaii Health Authority To Plan For A Transition To A Maximally Cost-effective Single-payer Health Care System For The State, To Be Implemented As Soon As Possible After Waivers Have Been Obtained To Capture All Major Sources Of Federal Funding Flowing To The State Through Medicare, Medicaid, And Tricare.

Impact

If enacted, HR172 could lead to a major shift in how healthcare is administered in Hawaii. By reactivating the Hawaii Health Authority, the bill seeks to utilize federal funds from programs like Medicare and Tricare, positioning Hawaii to not only expand healthcare access but also achieve substantial savings. It is proposed that implementing a single-payer system could reduce healthcare costs by approximately 30%, thereby decreasing the overall state budget requirements significantly. Such reforms are anticipated to alleviate the financial burden on residents, particularly in a state known for its high cost of living.

Summary

House Resolution 172 (HR172) urges the Governor of Hawaii to reactivate the Hawaii Health Authority, focusing on a transition to a single-payer healthcare system. The resolution emphasizes the urgency of forming a streamlined, efficient healthcare financing mechanism in the face of potential federal cuts to Medicaid. It highlights that a single-payer approach could significantly reduce administrative costs and improve the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery within the state, thus benefit all residents. As Hawaii grapples with rising healthcare expenditures that consume a significant portion of the state budget, this resolution calls for immediate action to develop this system.

Contention

The process of transitioning to a single-payer healthcare system has not been without its critics. While proponents argue it could streamline care and reduce costs, opponents may raise concerns regarding the funding sources and the logistical challenges involved in such a transition. Additionally, the effectiveness of the Hawaii Health Authority in executing its mission may also face scrutiny due to its previous inactivity. The complexity of coordinating with federal agencies for the necessary waivers adds another layer of contention. Balancing these concerns with the potential benefits of enhanced healthcare accessibility will be crucial as discussions around HR172 continue.

Companion Bills

HI HCR176

Same As Supporting The Reactivation Of, And Urging The Governor To Appoint Members To, The Hawaii Health Authority To Plan For A Transition To A Maximally Cost-effective Single-payer Health Care System For The State, To Be Implemented As Soon As Possible After Waivers Have Been Obtained To Capture All Major Sources Of Federal Funding Flowing To The State Through Medicare, Medicaid, And Tricare.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR160

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To File A Request With The Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services To Amend The State's Existing Section 1115 Demonstration Program To Implement A Housing And Health Opportunities Demonstration Program To Enable Direct Housing Costs For Medicaid Recipients To Be Covered By The Federal Financial Participation For Medicaid.

HI SR186

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To File A Request With The Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services To Amend The State's Existing Section 1115 Demonstration Program To Implement A Housing And Health Opportunities Demonstration Program To Enable Direct Housing Costs For Medicaid Recipients To Be Covered By The Federal Financial Participation For Medicaid.

HI SCR23

Urging The Department Of Health To Amend The Hawaii Administrative Rules To Authorize Licensed Dietitians To Prescribe Modified Diets And Plan Therapeutic Diets.

HI SR15

Urging The Department Of Health To Amend The Hawaii Administrative Rules To Authorize Licensed Dietitians To Prescribe Modified Diets And Plan Therapeutic Diets.

HI HB649

Relating To The Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

HI HB649

Relating To The Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

HI SB900

Relating To The Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

HI HCR186

Urging The Governor, Department Of Human Services, And Department Of Health 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.

HI HR166

Urging The Governor, Department Of Human Services, And Department Of Health 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.

HI SCR135

Urging The Governor's Senior Advisor For Mental Health And The Justice System To Define Their Role And To Provide An Annual Report To The Legislature On The Progress The State Has Made Towards Jail Diversion.

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AL SB189

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AL HB279

Relating to Medicaid; to amend Section 40-26B-26, Code of Alabama 1975, to revise the circumstances under which the Alabama Medicaid Agency may revise the ceiling for the Medicaid reimbursement rate to nursing facilities during a given fiscal year; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style.

NJ A3334

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HI SB797

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HI HB646

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NV AB556

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CT HB05378

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NJ S3606

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