STAND. COM. REP. NO. 642

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.B. No. 474

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 474, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HOSPITAL SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to preserve access to health care for Medicaid recipients by extending the Hospital Sustainability Program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Human Services, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Primary Care Association, Kaiser Permanente Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Pacific Health, and Queen's Health Systems.

Your Committee finds that the Hospital Sustainability Program, which was established in 2012, has served a critical role in strengthening the health care system in Hawaii. Your Committee believes that continuing the program will ensure that the State's uninsured or underinsured patients continue to receive care in a timely, effective manner.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 474, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair