Bill > SB954

This bill seeks to address declining reimbursement rates and workforce challenges in home health services by appropriating $500,000 for the Department of Human Services to conduct a comprehensive rate study for Medicaid home health services in Hawaii. The legislation highlights significant issues facing home health agencies, including Medicare funding cuts, financial losses per Medicaid patient, and an extremely high healthcare workforce vacancy rate of 39% in home health settings. The bill provides context that home health services involve skilled medical care like physical therapy, wound care, and management of complex chronic conditions, typically provided to homebound patients recovering from surgery or acute illnesses. By funding this rate study, the legislature aims to create a foundation for future policy decisions that can support the continued delivery of high-quality, accessible home health services to Medicaid recipients. The appropriated funds will be available for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and the Department of Human Services responsible for conducting and managing the study.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=954&year=2025