Hawaii Senate Bill SR173

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 4/4/22
• Passed: 4/5/22

Caption

Urging The Department Of Human Services To Designate Two Full-time Equivalent Employees To Assist Compact Of Free Association Migrants To Enroll In Medicaid.

Impact

The resolution is expected to enhance the accessibility of healthcare services for COFA migrants in Hawaii, who share many of the difficulties faced by other immigrant populations. Many of these individuals suffer from chronic health conditions exacerbated by their historical exposure to radiation from U.S. nuclear testing, highlighting the urgent need for adequate health coverage. By facilitating smoother enrollment processes, the bill aims to mitigate health disparities, particularly as non-Hawaiian Pacific Islanders are overrepresented in COVID-19 case statistics, making health insurance vital for their community.

Summary

Senate Resolution 173 urges the Department of Human Services to allocate two full-time equivalent employees dedicated to assisting Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants with enrolling in Medicaid. This is particularly pertinent as COFA migrants have a unique immigration status that allows them to live and work indefinitely in the United States, but they face considerable barriers in accessing healthcare. The resolution aims to address these challenges by implementing an outreach program that would provide essential information to the COFA community regarding their eligibility and the registration process for Medicaid.

Contention

There may be concerns regarding the availability of resources and the efficacy of designated employees in dealing with the complex enrollment process. Some stakeholders might argue that while the intent of the resolution is noble, without adequate funding and support for these positions, the outreach efforts could fall short of their goals. Additionally, there could be competing interests within the healthcare system regarding how resources are allocated, which may complicate the implementation of this resolution.