STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2486

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2783

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Health and Human Services and Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 2783 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MEDICAID,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services for Medicaid coverage under the Children's Health Insurance Program for income-qualified pregnant persons and children, regardless of immigration status.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from Hawaiʻi Friends of Civil Rights; AlohaCare; Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights; Hawaiʻi Public Health Association; Hawaii Medical Association; Mental Health America of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; Hawaii ACOG; American Cancer Action Network; The Legal Clinic; and ten individuals.

Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.

Your Committees find that high-quality health care that is accessible, affordable, and equitable is essential to public health and wellness. Many residents in the State, however, are denied access to health care simply due to their immigration status, which can worsen health outcomes. This measure will increase access to health insurance coverage for certain individuals in the State to promote healthy communities.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services and Commerce and Consumer Protection that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2783 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Health and Human Services and Commerce and Consumer Protection,

________________________________ JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair

________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair