STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1591

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1356

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1356, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MEDICAID PATIENT CARE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to provide financial assistance to state-licensed care homes that experienced negative economic impacts due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

More specifically, the measure appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services to provide enhanced payments to providers of state-licensed adult residential care homes and developmental disabilities domiciliary homes that are caring for residents receiving Medicaid benefits, to assist with COVID‑19‑related costs and lost revenues, provided that the maximum amount of federal matching funds is obtained by the applicable state agency.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, ILWU Local 1000, and one individual.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Health and Department of Human Services.

Your Committee finds that this measure will provide a degree of financial relief to care home providers and thus improve their economic outlook and ability to continue operating.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1356, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair