Hawaii Senate Bill SCR224

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii Employer-union Benefits Trust Fund Board Of Trustees And Department Of Human Services Med-quest Division To Ensure That All Offered Health Plans Provide Twelve Per Cent Of Monthly Insurance Premium Payments Directly To Each Respective Member-patient's Primary Care Provider.

Impact

The introduction of SCR224 is expected to positively impact state laws pertaining to healthcare funding and physician support. By ensuring that primary care providers receive a guaranteed portion of insurance premiums, the resolution aims to enhance the financial viability of small healthcare practices that may struggle under Hawaii's high cost of living. This measure could lead to improved patient access to primary healthcare services, potentially increasing the number of practicing primary care providers and enriching the overall health landscape of the state.

Summary

SCR224 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution introduced during the Thirty-Third Legislature of Hawaii in 2025. The resolution seeks to address the critical shortage of primary care physicians within the state by advocating for a direct financial mechanism to support these healthcare providers. Specifically, the resolution requests that the Hawaii Employer-Union Benefits Trust Fund Board of Trustees and the Department of Human Services’ Med-Quest Division ensure that twelve percent of monthly insurance premium payments are allocated directly to the primary care providers of member-patients. This financial support aims to provide a consistent revenue stream, alleviating some of the financial burdens faced by these vital healthcare professionals.

Contention

While the resolution aims to tackle an important issue, it may also garner opposition from various stakeholders within the healthcare system. Critics may argue regarding the implications of mandating a percentage of insurance premiums be directed toward primary care providers. Questions may arise regarding the effectiveness of such a model in ensuring high-quality patient care and whether it might detract from funding other essential health services. Additionally, there could be concerns about how these requirements would be enforced and monitored, particularly in relation to providers who may not see a proportional increase in patient load.