Bill > SCR144

This concurrent resolution urges Hawaii's Governor to develop a strategic plan in response to potential massive federal Medicaid funding cuts proposed in a February 2025 budget resolution, which could reduce federal Medicaid support by over $800 billion in the next decade. The resolution highlights the critical importance of Medicaid and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Hawaii, noting that the state's Med-QUEST program provides health coverage to approximately one in five residents and one in three children, with 73% of its $3 billion annual budget currently funded by the federal government. The Governor is specifically requested to consult with Hawaii's congressional delegation to understand the potential impacts of pending federal legislation, assess the consequences of potential funding reductions (which could result in up to 156,000 Hawaii residents losing health coverage), and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature at least 20 days before the 2026 Regular Session. The resolution emphasizes that such funding cuts could drastically reduce health coverage, increase the number of uninsured individuals, and negatively impact vulnerable populations including children, seniors, people with disabilities, homeless individuals, veterans, and agricultural workers.

Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=144&year=2025