Bill > SB713

This bill aims to expand Medicaid coverage in Hawaii to income-qualified pregnant persons and children regardless of their immigration status, addressing current gaps in healthcare access. The legislation is based on findings that approximately 500 pregnant persons and 4,000 children are currently denied health insurance due to their immigration status, and that limited healthcare access can lead to significant health risks such as premature birth, neonatal death, and preventable hospitalizations. The bill proposes to appropriate funds from the state's general revenues to provide Medicaid coverage through the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for these populations, with the Department of Human Services estimating the annual cost at $1,364,000 for pregnant persons and between $2,976,000 and $9,600,000 for children, depending on the funding source. The proposed coverage aligns with practices in other states, with 22 states and the District of Columbia already providing Medicaid coverage to pregnant residents regardless of immigration status, and 12 states offering similar coverage for children. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with the goal of improving healthcare outcomes and reducing barriers for immigrant populations in Hawaii.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=713&year=2026