Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR161

Introduced
3/7/25  

Caption

Supporting The Reactivation Of The Hawaii Health Authority With Statutory Mandates That Specifically Include The Transition Of The State's Health Insurance Payment System Into A Single-payer Health Care System.

Impact

The implementation of SR161 is expected to significantly revise current healthcare laws by establishing a single-payer health system that would streamline operations and reduce the overall expenses associated with healthcare financing. Currently, administrative costs, which often burden hospitals and independent practitioners, consume a substantial portion of healthcare budgets. By creating a standardized fee-for-service structure and reducing the complexities involved in billing, the bill seeks to enhance the financial viability of healthcare providers while improving access to care.

Summary

Senate Resolution 161 (SR161) aims to support the reactivation of the Hawaii Health Authority (HHA) and mandates the transition of the state's health insurance payment system into a single-payer healthcare model. This bill emerges amid concerns over potential cuts to federal Medicaid funding, which could necessitate the state seeking more effective health financing solutions. Proponents of a single-payer system argue that it would lead to considerable administrative cost savings and allow for more efficient delivery of healthcare services to residents throughout Hawaii.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the transition to a single-payer system through SR161 presents contentious points of debate. Critics worry that the execution of such a universal healthcare system may lead to increased state control over medical services, which may not address the needs of all populations effectively. There are also concerns about the adequacy of federal funding waivers for programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, which are crucial for the bill’s success. Moreover, support for reactivating the HHA and implementing a single-payer system reflects a broader discussion about health equity and fiscal responsibility, fueling further legislative debate.

Companion Bills

HI SCR201

Same As Supporting The Reactivation Of The Hawaii Health Authority With Statutory Mandates That Specifically Include The Transition Of The State's Health Insurance Payment System Into A Single-payer Health Care System.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR182

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study Of Statutes And Regulations Related To Prior Authorization Requirements And The Timely Delivery Of Health Care Services In The State And Include An Analysis Of Prior Authorization Reform, With Input Of Data And Feedback From Stakeholders, Including Patient Advocates, Providers, Facilities, And Payers.

HI SB2837

Relating To The Oahu Regional Health Care System, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.

HI HR162

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study Of Statutes And Regulations Related To Prior Authorization Requirements And The Timely Delivery Of Health Care Services In The State And Include An Analysis Of Prior Authorization Reform, With Input Of Data And Feedback From Stakeholders, Including Patient Advocates, Providers, Facilities, And Payers.

HI HB2294

Relating To The Oahu Regional Health Care System, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.

HI SB900

Relating To The Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

HI HB649

Relating To The Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

HI HB649

Relating To The Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

HI SR27

Urging The Members Of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Introduce Legislation To Expand The National Flood Insurance Program To Include Lava And Earthquake Insurance.

HI SR7

Requesting The Department Of Health's State Health Planning And Development Agency To Convene A Health Data Sharing Working Group To Accelerate And Expand The Sharing Of Real Time Health Information Among Health Care Entities And Government Agencies In The State.

HI HB1387

Relating To The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.

Similar Bills

AL SB189

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.

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.

CT HB05378

An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Legislative Program Review And Investigations Committee Concerning Medicaid-funded Emergency Department Visits.

NJ S3606

Provides certain protections to residents of long-term care facilities.

NJ A5194

Provides certain protections to residents of long-term care facilities.

NJ S1962

Provides certain protections to residents of long-term care facilities.

NJ A1888

Provides certain protections to residents of long-term care facilities.

HI SB797

Relating To Supplemental Security Income.