Bill > SB322

This bill addresses funding for Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS) in Hawaii, focusing on improving long-term care support. The legislature recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare delivery, and there is a need to reassess how long-term care services are reimbursed. The bill stems from a rate study conducted by the Department of Human Services' Med-QUEST division, which examined payment rates for various community care services, including community care foster family homes, adult residential care homes, and adult day health centers. The study revealed wage pressures and the need to align reimbursement with current healthcare trends, such as patients' preferences for home- and community-based settings, evolving patient needs, and the complexity of care. The bill appropriates funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to achieve full funding for Medicaid HCBS, with a particular focus on providers serving high-utilization groups and those who have not received a rate update in some time. The goal is to support livable wages, improve care quality, and create a more responsive long-term care reimbursement system. The bill is set to take effect on December 31, 2050, giving the state ample time to implement these changes.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=322&year=2025