Hawaii Senate Bill SCR11

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/25
• Refer: 2/5/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Human Services Med-quest Division To Cover Behavioral Health Services For Children In School-based Settings.

Impact

By allowing Medicaid to cover behavioral health services in schools, SCR11 aims to address several critical barriers that currently hinder access to care. The provision of these services is expected to alleviate transportation issues, geographic limitations, and reduce the burden on families who would otherwise have to take time off work to arrange care. Additionally, research indicates that school-based behavioral health programs lead to positive outcomes, particularly for children at higher risk for mental health issues.

Summary

SCR11 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that requests the Department of Human Services Med-Quest Division to extend Medicaid coverage to include behavioral health services for children in school-based settings. This initiative is rooted in the recognition of a growing mental health crisis among children and adolescents. The bill seeks to improve access to necessary mental health services within the school environment, thereby facilitating earlier identification and treatment of mental health issues among students.

Contention

While the resolution has garnered support due to its potential to enhance mental health services for children, it may also raise questions regarding implementation and funding. Stakeholders could debate the responsibilities of the Med-Quest Division in determining the scope of services covered and how resources will be allocated to effectively deliver these services in schools. The involvement of various governmental departments, such as the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education, could spur discussions about inter-agency cooperation and the adequacy of existing mental health resources within the school systems.