Bill > SR161

This resolution supports reactivating the Hawaii Health Authority (HHA) and transitioning the state's health insurance payment system to a single-payer healthcare system. The resolution highlights concerns about potential federal Medicaid funding cuts and argues that a single-payer system could achieve significant administrative cost savings of approximately 15% for hospitals and physician practices. These savings could potentially be reinvested in community-based programs, improve physician compensation, and address Hawaii's physician shortage. The resolution specifically calls for the HHA to develop a comprehensive universal healthcare plan, to be implemented after exhausting all federal funding sources and obtaining necessary waivers for Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare. By transitioning to a single-payer system, the state could potentially reduce overall healthcare costs by around 30%, which would represent approximately a 9% reduction in the total state budget. The resolution directs that copies be sent to the Director of Health, Director of Budget and Finance, and Insurance Commissioner.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SR&billnumber=161&year=2025