Hawaii Senate Bill SCR144

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Urging The Governor To Determine A Course Of Action For The State, Should The Federal Government Cut Funding For Medicaid.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution SCR144 urges the Governor of Hawaii to determine a plan of action in response to potential federal funding cuts to Medicaid, specifically amidst efforts by the House of Representatives to significantly reduce Medicaid funding. Currently, Medicaid plays a critical role in Hawaii, covering approximately one in five residents and one in three children, with a total spending of $3 billion in the previous fiscal year, of which 73% is funded by the federal government. The resolution emphasizes the reliance of Hawaii's healthcare infrastructure on these funds, particularly as they affect Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that provide essential services to low-income populations. The resolution outlines potential scenarios in the event of federal funding cuts. Should Hawaii choose to maintain Medicaid expansion and absorb new costs, it would necessitate a substantial increase in state budget allocations—up to $3.2 billion annually. Conversely, if the state were to drop Medicaid expansion, a significant number of residents, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and the disabled, could lose coverage, with estimates suggesting that up to 156,000 individuals may be affected. Supporters of SCR144 emphasize its proactive approach, advocating for the protection of healthcare services while also highlighting the economic benefits provided by FQHCs in Hawaii. These centers not only reduce health expenditures but also generate significant economic activity, employing thousands and contributing to state and local revenue through job creation and tax contributions. The resolution points to the importance of timely actions and recommendations from the governor to safeguard healthcare access in light of potential federal shifts. Overall, SCR144 recognizes the precarious situation Hawaii faces regarding its healthcare system and urges coordinated action among state leadership and congressional representatives to mitigate against adverse effects from proposed federal budget cuts. It serves as a call for urgency in planning to ensure continued access to essential health services for Hawaii's residents.