Bill > SB954

This bill seeks to address the declining reimbursement rates and workforce challenges in Hawaii's home health services by allocating $500,000 to the Department of Human Services to conduct a comprehensive rate study for Medicaid home health services. The legislation highlights the critical nature of home health services, which provide skilled care like physical therapy, wound care, and chronic condition management to homebound patients, and notes significant challenges facing these agencies, including Medicare funding cuts and high workforce vacancy rates (39% in home health settings). The bill explains that while rate studies have been conducted for other home- and community-based service providers, home health agencies have been overlooked. By funding this rate study, the legislature aims to create a foundation for future policy decisions that will support maintaining high-quality, accessible home health services for Medicaid recipients. The funding is appropriated for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and the funds to be expended by the Department of Human Services specifically for conducting the required rate study.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=954&year=2026