Bill > SR109

This resolution supports the reactivation of the Hawaii Health Authority, a state body established to plan for a universal healthcare system, and urges the Governor to appoint members to this authority. The resolution is motivated by potential federal Medicaid funding cuts and seeks to develop a single-payer healthcare system that could potentially reduce healthcare costs by approximately 30%. The proposed system would aim to achieve administrative cost savings by simplifying billing processes for hospitals and independent doctors, potentially reducing administrative expenses to around 15% of current costs. The Hawaii Health Authority would be tasked with planning a cost-effective transition to this new healthcare system, with the goal of implementing it as soon as federal waivers can be obtained to capture funding from Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare. The resolution also requests that the Authority submit a progress report and recommendations to the Legislature before the 2026 Regular Session, with the broader objectives of addressing the state's physician shortage, improving healthcare affordability, and potentially reducing the state budget by around 9% through more efficient healthcare administration.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SR&billnumber=109&year=2025