Hawaii House Bill HR33

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Requesting The Tax Review Commission To Identify Possible Means By Which The Hawaii Long-term Care Financing Program Can Be Implemented.

Impact

The bill aims to highlight the necessity of finding viable financing options for the Long-Term Care Financing Program. By urging the Tax Review Commission to explore possibilities for funding, it seeks to ensure that Hawaii residents can access long-term care services that are prioritized over private insurance and Medicaid options. If successfully implemented, this program could change the landscape of long-term care in Hawaii, making essential health services more accessible to residents who need them.

Summary

House Resolution 33 requests the Tax Review Commission to identify possible means for implementing the Hawaii Long-Term Care Financing Program (LTC Financing Program). Originally established by Act 245 in 2002, the LTC Financing Program aims to provide universal and affordable long-term care for Hawaii residents, ensuring that eligibility is not income-based. However, the program's implementation details, including funding mechanisms, have not yet been specified, leaving a significant gap that this resolution seeks to address.

Contention

While the resolution aims to give clarity on financing, there may be contention regarding the potential costs involved in implementing the Long-Term Care Financing Program. Discussions have previously circled around the Long-Term Care Income Tax Credit, which was vetoed in 2003. The debate may continue around how to finance the program without imposing an undue burden on taxpayers or state budgets. Additionally, the effectiveness of the proposed financing mechanisms could be scrutinized, particularly in light of previous unsuccessful attempts to initiate similar programs.