Bill > HB705

This bill establishes a Medi-Medi Project within the Executive Office on Aging to help underserved populations access low-income subsidy programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Medicare Part D Extra Help. The project aims to assist older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations who may struggle to navigate complex benefit application processes. Specifically, the project will develop community outreach programs, streamline application processes for various low-income subsidy programs, and provide referrals to other assistance programs. The bill appropriates $121,016 for establishing a full-time position to implement the project and cover operating expenses, and an additional $300,000 to develop a one-year pilot project specifically in the Kalihi Valley catchment areas. The Executive Office on Aging will be required to submit reports on the project's findings and recommendations to the Legislature before each regular session, with the first pilot project report due before the 2027 legislative session. The project recognizes that many low-income, non-English speaking, or rural residents may qualify for benefits but lack awareness or assistance in accessing them, particularly in the context of recent changes in Medicaid eligibility following the COVID-19 pandemic and Maui wildfires.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=705&year=2025