Bill > SR116

This resolution urges Hawaii's governor to develop a strategic plan in response to potential federal Medicaid funding cuts, which could significantly impact the state's healthcare system. The resolution highlights that Medicaid currently provides health coverage to approximately one in five Hawaii residents, with seventy-three percent of its $3 billion annual budget funded by the federal government. It specifically references a February 2025 budget resolution that proposes reducing Medicaid funding by over $800 billion over ten years and eliminating the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expansion match rate. The potential consequences could be severe, including reducing health coverage for up to 156,000 Hawaii residents (34% of the state's Medicaid population), increasing the number of uninsured individuals, and decreasing access to care. The resolution calls on the governor to consult with Hawaii's congressional delegation to understand the potential impacts, assess the timing of funding reductions, and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature at least twenty days before the 2026 legislative session. The governor is also requested to explore potential legislative solutions to mitigate the potential healthcare funding crisis.

Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SR&billnumber=116&year=2025