Hawaii House Bill HCR94

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/24
• Refer: 3/13/24
• Report Pass: 3/28/24
• Report Pass: 4/4/24
• Refer: 3/28/24
• Refer: 4/5/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/19/24
• Passed: 4/22/24
• Report Pass: 4/19/24

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Conduct A Study On The Feasibility Of Increasing The Medicaid Reimbursement Payment Rate For Hawaii's Community Care Foster Family Homes And Expanded Adult Residential Care Homes For Medicaid Clients In 2032 And Every Ten Years Thereafter.

Impact

The recommended studies outlined in HCR94 are expected to have substantial implications for state laws governing long-term care funding mechanisms. With the aging population in Hawaii projected to rise significantly, assessing the feasibility of increasing reimbursement rates is crucial in alleviating pressures on staffing such facilities, and ultimately, improving the availability of care options for individuals requiring nursing-home level care. A successful outcome could transform how resources are allocated to community care services, thereby ensuring that more residents receive proper care within their communities rather than remaining in hospitals due to a lack of available placements.

Summary

HCR94 is a House Concurrent Resolution that requests the Department of Human Services in Hawaii to conduct a feasibility study on increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for community care foster family homes (CCFFHs) and expanded adult residential care homes (E-ARCHs) for Medicaid clients. The resolution proposes that this review occur in 2032 and every ten years thereafter, addressing the need for updated reimbursement strategies to better support the state’s long-term care system. Currently, the reimbursement rates have not aligned with the increasing costs and are significantly lower than those for traditional nursing home placements.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR94 appears to be largely supportive among those advocating for better funding of home and community-based care services. Supporters argue it is essential for addressing the inadequacies in current Medicaid reimbursement rates, which have remained stagnant and do not reflect the actual cost of care. However, there may also be concerns from others about the potential financial implications for the state's budget and whether resources can be made available without compromising other critical areas within the healthcare infrastructure.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the long-term financial commitments associated with increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for CCFFHs and E-ARCHs. Policy makers will need to consider how these changes could affect state budgets over time, as well as the potential for increased regulations or standards that could come with enhanced financial support. There could be challenges related to balancing the needs of Medicaid clients with broader community resources and support infrastructure necessary for robust healthcare delivery.