Bill > SB1647

This bill addresses the declining number of physicians in private practice in Hawaii by appropriating $20,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to provide direct payments to primary care physicians who serve Med-QUEST recipients. Med-QUEST is Hawaii's Medicaid program, which provides health coverage for low-income individuals. The legislature finds that current health insurance reimbursement rates are low and do not account for cost of living increases, overhead expenses, or years of experience, which has led to a significant decline in physicians in private practice - from 75% ten years ago to just 10% currently. By providing these direct payments, the bill aims to ensure that primary care physicians can continue to serve Med-QUEST recipients without experiencing financial hardship, thereby maintaining access to healthcare for vulnerable populations. The appropriated funds will be administered by the Department of Human Services, and the bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1647&year=2025