HB 705: Kupuna Caucus; EOA; Low-Income Subsidy Programs; Medicaid; Medicare; Medi-Medi Project; Underserved Populations; Community Outreach; Reports; Pilot Project; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that low-income subsidy programs, including medicare, medicaid, and medicare savings programs such as medicare part D extra help, can help reduce out-of-pocket costs for individuals with limited income by offsetting their medical and prescription drug costs, such as premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and lifetime late enrollment penalties.  The legislature further finds that although individuals with low income, those who speak English as a second language, or those who live in rural areas may qualify for these programs, they may have no or limited access to the benefits, as they may not be aware of or need assistance with the application or eligibility renewal process.

     The legislature further finds that the executive office on aging of the department of health provides free information and one-on-one counseling on medicare.  Since 2022, the executive office on aging has been receiving a significantly higher volume of referrals from med-QUEST to assist uninsured or underinsured individuals who are losing their medicaid eligibility and need to find other health coverage.  The overflow and referrals are made to community partners within forty-eight hours to help with food, housing, utilities, employment, and other needs.

     The legislature also finds that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the med-QUEST division of the department of human services paused disenrollments based on eligibility issues and all medicaid members received continuous uninterrupted coverage through March 2023, regardless of their change in eligibility.  Following the 2023 Maui wildfires, the med-QUEST division again paused all eligibility disenrollments statewide until the end of 2023.  However, the med-QUEST division has resumed its annual eligibility redetermination process, and therefore, people have been or will be receiving notices and forms to renew their coverage.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Establish within the executive office on aging a medi-medi project to assist underserved populations in the State who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits;

     (2)  Appropriate funds to the executive office on aging for staff and operating expenses related to administering the medi-medi project; and

     (3)  Require and appropriate funds for the executive office on aging to develop a one-year pilot project to make available the medi-medi project to kupuna and families living in a disadvantaged community, specifically the Kalihi valley catchment areas.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established within the advocacy, education, and outreach section of the executive office on aging a medi-medi project to assist older adults, medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs, including medicare, medicaid, and medicare savings programs such as medicare part D extra help, to gain access to their benefits.

     (b)  The medi-medi project shall:

     (1)  Develop and implement a community outreach program;

     (2)  Streamline the application process for various low-income subsidy programs; and

     (3)  Provide referrals and assistance to other low-income programs.

     (c)  The executive office on aging shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations regarding the medi-medi project, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $121,016 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the executive office on aging, to be expended as follows:

     (1)  $71,016 for the establishment of one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position to implement and administer the medi-medi project; and

     (2)  $50,000 for operating expenses, including education and outreach.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the executive office on aging for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  (a)  The legislature finds that the medi-medi project will be able to supplement programs that provide health assessments and wraparound support to kupuna and their families.  Additionally, by providing a medi-medi project to kupuna and their families in impoverished communities, the medi-medi project can be expanded to these populations to serve disparate populations living in persistent poverty who are potentially eligible or are enrolled in Medicaid.

     The purpose of this section is to require and appropriate funds for the executive office on aging to develop a one-year pilot project to provide the medi-medi project to kupuna and families living in a disadvantaged community, specifically the Kalihi valley catchment areas.

     (b)  The executive office on aging shall develop a one-year pilot project to provide the medi-medi project to kupuna and families living in a disadvantaged community, specifically the Kalihi valley catchment areas.

     (c)  The executive office on aging shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations regarding the pilot project, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     SECTION 5.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $300,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the executive office on aging to develop a pilot project to provide the medi-medi project to kupuna and families living in a disadvantaged community, specifically the Kalihi valley catchment areas.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the executive office on aging for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Kupuna Caucus; EOA; Low-Income Subsidy Programs; Medicaid; Medicare; Medi-Medi Project; Underserved Populations; Community Outreach; Reports; Pilot Project; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a Medi-Medi Project within the Executive Office on Aging to assist older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits.  Requires the Executive Office on Aging to submit reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds for staff and operating expenses.  Requires and appropriates funds for the Executive Office on Aging to develop a one-year pilot project to provide the Medi-Medi Project to kupuna and families living in a disadvantaged community, specifically the Kalihi Valley catchment areas.  (CD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that low-income subsidy programs, including medicare, medicaid, and medicare savings programs such as medicare part D extra help, can help reduce out-of-pocket costs for individuals with limited income by offsetting their medical and prescription drug costs, such as premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and lifetime late enrollment penalties.  The legislature further finds that although individuals with low income, those who speak English as a second language, or those who live in rural areas may qualify for these programs, they may have no or limited access to the benefits, as they may not be aware of or need assistance with the application or eligibility renewal process.

     The legislature further finds that the Hawaii state health insurance assistance program, administered by the executive office on aging of the department of health, provides free information and one-on-one counseling on medicare.  Since 2022, the program has been receiving a significantly higher volume of referrals from med-QUEST to assist uninsured or underinsured individuals who are losing their medicaid eligibility and need to find other health coverage.  The overflow and referrals are made to community partners within forty-eight hours to help with food, housing, utilities, employment, and other needs.

     The legislature also finds that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the med-QUEST division of the department of human services paused disenrollments based on eligibility issues and all medicaid members received continuous uninterrupted coverage through March 2023, regardless of their change in eligibility.  Following the 2023 Maui wildfires, the med-QUEST division again paused all eligibility disenrollments statewide until the end of 2023.  However, the med-QUEST division has resumed its annual eligibility redetermination process, and therefore, people have been or will be receiving notices and forms to renew their coverage.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish within the Hawaii state health insurance assistance program a temporary medi-medi project to assist the underserved population in the State who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established within the Hawaii state health insurance assistance program a medi-medi project to assist older adults, medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs, including medicare, medicaid, and medicare savings programs such as medicare part D extra help, to gain access to their benefits.

     (b)  The medi-medi project shall:

     (1)  Develop and implement a community outreach program;

     (2)  Streamline the application process for various low-income subsidy programs; and

     (3)  Provide referrals and assistance to other low-income programs.

     (c)  The executive office on aging shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations regarding the medi-medi project, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the Hawaii state health insurance assistance program, to be expended as follows:

     (1)  $           for the establishment of one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position to implement and administer the medi-medi project; and

     (2)  $           for other operating expenses.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the executive office on aging for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on December 31, 2050.

Report Title:

Kupuna Caucus; EOA; SHIP; Low-Income Subsidy Programs; Medicaid; Medicare; Medi-Medi Project; Underserved Populations; Community Outreach; Application and Renewal Process; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a temporary Medi-Medi Project within the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program to be administered by the Executive Office on Aging to assist older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits.  Requires the Executive Office on Aging to submit reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 12/31/2050.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that low-income subsidy programs, including medicare, medicaid, and medicare savings programs such as medicare part D extra help, can help reduce out-of-pocket costs for individuals with limited income by offsetting their medical and prescription drug costs, such as premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and lifetime late enrollment penalties.  The legislature further finds that although individuals with low income, those who speak English as a second language, or those who live in rural areas may qualify for these programs, they may have no or limited access to the benefits, as they may not be aware of or need assistance with the application or eligibility renewal process.

     The legislature further finds that the Hawaii state health insurance assistance program, administered by the executive office on aging of the department of health, provides free information and one-on-one counseling on medicare.  Since 2022, the program has been receiving a significantly higher volume of referrals from med-QUEST to assist uninsured or underinsured individuals who are losing their medicaid eligibility and need to find other health coverage.  The overflow and referrals are made to community partners within forty-eight hours to help with food, housing, utilities, employment, and other needs.

     The legislature also finds that during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the med-QUEST division of the department of human services paused disenrollments based on eligibility issues and all medicaid members received continuous uninterrupted coverage through March 2023, regardless of their change in eligibility.  Following the 2023 Maui wildfires, the med-QUEST division again paused all eligibility disenrollments statewide until the end of 2023.  However, the med-QUEST division has resumed its annual eligibility redetermination process, and therefore, people have been or will be receiving notices and forms to renew their coverage.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish within the Hawaii state health insurance assistance program a temporary medi-medi project to assist the underserved population in the State who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established within the Hawaii state health insurance assistance program a medi-medi project to assist older adults, medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs, including medicare, medicaid, and medicare savings programs such as medicare part D extra help, to gain access to their benefits.

     (b)  The medi-medi project shall:

     (1)  Develop and implement a community outreach program;

     (2)  Streamline the application and eligibility renewal process for various low-income subsidy programs; and

     (3)  Provide any other service it deems necessary for the underserved populations in the State to gain access to benefits under various low-income subsidy programs.

     (c)  The executive office on aging shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations regarding the medi-medi project, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.

     (d)  The medi-medi project shall cease to exist on           .

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the Hawaii state health insurance assistance program, to be expended as follows:

     (1)  $           for the establishment of one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position to implement and administer the medi-medi project; and

     (2)  $           for other operating expenses.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the executive office on aging for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Kupuna Caucus; EOA; SHIP; Low-income Subsidy Programs; Medicaid; Medicare; Medi-medi Project; Underserved Populations; Community Outreach; Application and Renewal Process; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a temporary Medi-Medi Project within the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program administered by the Executive Office on Aging to assist older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits.  Requires the Executive Office on Aging to submit reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that low-income subsidy programs such as medicare, medicaid, a medicare savings program, and Extra Help, can help reduce out-of-pocket costs for individuals with limited income by offsetting their medical and prescription drug costs, such as premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and lifetime late enrollment penalties.  The legislature further finds that although individuals with low income, those who speak English as a second language, or those who live in rural areas may qualify for these programs, they may have no or limited access to the benefits, as they may not be aware of or need assistance with the application or eligibility renewal process.

     The legislature further finds that the Hawaii state health insurance assistance program, administered by the executive office on aging of the department of health, provides free information and one-on-one counseling on medicare.  Since 2022, the program has been receiving a significantly higher volume of referrals from med-QUEST to assist uninsured or underinsured individuals who are losing their medicaid eligibility and need to find other health coverage.  The overflow and referrals are made to community partners within forty-eight hours to help with food, housing, utilities, employment, and other needs.

     The legislature also finds that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the med-QUEST division of the department of human services paused disenrollments based on eligibility issues and all medicaid members received continuous uninterrupted coverage through March 2023, regardless of their change in eligibility.  Following the 2023 Maui wildfires, the med-QUEST division again paused all eligibility disenrollments statewide until the end of 2023.  However, the med-QUEST division has resumed its annual eligibility redetermination process, and therefore, people have been or will be receiving notices and forms to renew their coverage.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish within the Hawaii state health insurance assistance program a temporary medi-medi project to assist the underserved population in the State who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established within the Hawaii state health insurance assistance program a medi-medi project to assist older adults, medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs such as medicare, medicaid, medicare savings programs, and Extra Help, to gain access to their benefits.

     (b)  The medi-medi project shall:

     (1)  Develop and implement a community outreach program;

     (2)  Streamline the application and eligibility renewal process for various low-income subsidy programs; and

     (3)  Provide any other service it deems necessary for the underserved populations in the State to gain access to benefits under various low-income subsidy programs.

     (c)  The executive office on aging shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations regarding the medi-medi project, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.

     (d)  The medi-medi project shall cease to exist on           .

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the Hawaii state health insurance assistance program, to be expended as follows:

      1.  $           for the establishment of one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position to implement and administer the medi-medi project; and

      2.  $           for other operating expenses.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the executive office on aging for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Kupuna Caucus; EOA; SHIP; Low-Income Subsidy Programs; Medicaid; Medicare; Medi-Medi Project; Underserved Populations; Community Outreach; Application and Renewal Process; Reports; Appropriations

Description:

Establishes a temporary Medi-Medi Project within the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program administered by the Executive Office on Aging to assist older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits.  Requires the Executive Office on Aging to submit reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 188

Honolulu, Hawaii

                 , 2025

RE:    H.B. No. 705

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

       C.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madam and Sir:

     Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the House of Representatives to the amendments proposed by the Senate in H.B. No. 705, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING,"

having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish a temporary Medi-Medi Project within the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program to assist the underserved population in the State who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds for the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program, including for staff and other operating expenses.

     Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Establishing the Medi-Medi Project within the Executive Office on Aging, rather than within the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program;

     (2)  Inserting an appropriation amount of $121,016 to the Executive Office on Aging, including $71,016 for the establishment of one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position to implement and administer the Medi-Medi Project and $50,000 for operating expenses, including education and outreach;

     (3)  Requiring and appropriating $300,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the Executive Office on Aging to develop a one-year pilot project to make available the Medi-Medi Project to kupuna and families living in a disadvantaged community, specifically the Kalihi Valley catchment areas;

     (4)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 2025; and

     (5)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 705, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 705, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, C.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1768

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 705

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 705, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to assist underserved populations in obtaining and retaining medical and prescription drug insurance.

     Specifically, this measure:

     (1)  Establishes a temporary Medi-medi Project within the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program to assist certain individuals to obtain insurance benefits;

     (2)  Requires the Executive Office on Aging to submit a report on the program to the Legislature; and

     (3)  Appropriates an unspecified sum for the program.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Disability and Communication Access Board, Executive Office on Aging, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, AARP Hawaii, AlohaCare, Democratic Party of Hawai’i, Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that many older adults, individuals with disabilities, those who speak English as a second language, and those who live in rural areas often face significant challenges in navigating the complex landscape of health benefits.  Your Committee believes that establishing the Medi-medi Project can help to address these challenges and assist individuals in obtaining the insurance benefits to which they are entitled, thereby promoting greater access to healthcare and improving their quality of life.

     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. 705, 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,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1222

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 705

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 705, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish a temporary Medi-Medi Project within the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program to be administered by the Executive Office on Aging to assist older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits;

     (2)  Require the Executive Office on Aging to submit reports to the Legislature; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Executive Office on Aging, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, State Health Planning and Development Agency, AARP Hawaiʻi, Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, and two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that low-income subsidy programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, and Medicare savings programs, such as Medicare part D extra help, can help reduce out-of-pocket costs for individuals with limited income by covering or offsetting their medical and prescription drug costs.  Your Committee further finds that although many individuals may qualify for these programs, they may have no or limited access to the benefits, as they may not be aware of or need assistance with the application or eligibility renewal process.  Your Committee notes that the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program, administered by the Executive Office on Aging of the Department of Health, provides free information and one-on-one counseling on the Medicare program and has been increasingly receiving referrals for those in need of assistance finding health care coverage.  Accordingly, this measure's Medi-Medi Project increases access to trained help with eligibility and enrollment for various low-income subsidy programs, ensuring applications get submitted properly and timely so that qualified individuals can receive benefits.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting language that would have required the Medi-Medi Project to provide any other service it deems necessary for the underserved populations in the State to gain access to benefits under various low-income subsidy programs;

     (2)  Clarifying that the Medi-Medi Project shall streamline the application process for various low-income subsidy programs;

     (3)  Inserting language to require the Medi-Medi Project to provide referrals and assistance to other low-income programs;

     (4)  Deleting language that would have required the Medi-Medi Project to cease to exist on an unspecified date;

     (5)  Inserting an effective date of December 31, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

     (6)  Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 705, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 705, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  967

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 705

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 705, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish a temporary Medi-Medi Project within the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program to assist older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits;

     (2)  Require the Executive Office on Aging to submit annual reports to the Legislature on the Medi-Medi Project; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds for the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program, including for staff and operating expenses.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from AARP Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Family Caregiver Coalition; and two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Executive Office on Aging.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 705, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  415

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 705

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness, to which was referred H.B. No. 705 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish a temporary Medi-Medi Project within the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program to assist older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations who may qualify for various low-income subsidy programs to gain access to their benefits;

     (2)  Require the Executive Office on Aging to submit annual reports to the Legislature on the Medi-Medi Project; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds for the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program, including for staff and operating expenses.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Executive Office on Aging; State Council on Developmental Disabilities; AARP Hawai‘i; Hawai‘i Family Caregiver Coalition; and three individuals.

     Your Committee finds that many low-income individuals in Hawaii qualify for subsidy programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Medicare savings programs such as Medicare Part D Extra Help, which reduce out-of-pocket medical and prescription drug costs.  However, barriers such as language access, lack of awareness, and difficulty navigating the application process prevent many from receiving these essential benefits.  To address these challenges, this measure establishes the temporary Medi-Medi Project within the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program to assist underserved populations in accessing and maintaining their health benefits, ensuring they receive the support they need.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $100,000 for only fiscal year 2025-2026 for the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program, as the Program should be self-sufficient after the first fiscal year.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 705, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 705, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services & Homelessness,