HB 713: DHS; Rate Study; Medicaid; Home Health Services; Appropriation
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2025-04-25
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-06-06: Act 193, on 06/06/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1293).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill gives the Department of Human Services $250,000 to study Medicaid payment rates for home health services in Hawaii. The study would examine payments for skilled services like nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and wound care to inform future decisions that affect Medicaid patients and home health agencies.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to conduct a rate study for Medicaid home health services in Hawaii. (CD1)
Appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to conduct a rate study for Medicaid home health services in Hawaii. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)
Appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to conduct a rate study for Medicaid home health services in Hawaii. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Appropriates funding for the Department of Human Services to conduct a rate study for Medicaid home health services in Hawaii.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
713 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO A RATE STUDY FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature additionally finds that reimbursement for home health services is declining, which is affecting patient access to care. The Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare projects that medicare will cut federal funding for home health services by $25,000,000,000 between 2020 and 2029. Additionally, a survey conducted by the Healthcare Association of Hawaii found that Hawaii's medicare-certified home health agencies lost an average of $1,186 per medicaid patient served. As a result of decreases in reimbursement from these two major payment sources, the proportion of medicaid patients treated by these surveyed home health agencies decreased from twenty-five per cent to sixteen per cent between 2020 and 2024.
The legislature also finds that these losses are similarly attributable to increasing costs, particularly the cost of labor, and are making it difficult for home health agencies to adequately recruit and retain their workforce. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii's 2022 workforce report found that the vacancy rate for health care positions in the home health services setting was thirty-nine per cent, the highest percentage of vacancies across professions. The high vacancy rate reflects reimbursement that is insufficient to make home health a competitive setting for nurses, therapy providers, and aides.
The legislature further finds that it has considered increasing medicare reimbursement rates for other home and community-based services providers, such as home care agencies, which provide services primarily focused on assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. However, home health agencies were not included as part of the rate studies conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and therefore have not had their rates reviewed or updated as part of those legislative efforts.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to provide funding for the department of human services to conduct a rate study for medicaid home health services in Hawaii, which will serve as a foundation for future informed decision-making and support the continued delivery of high-quality, accessible home health services to medicaid recipients in the State.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $250,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 to conduct a rate study on medicaid home health services in the State.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
Report Title:
DHS; Rate Study; Medicaid; Home Health Services; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to conduct a rate study for Medicaid home health services in Hawaii. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
713 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO A RATE STUDY FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature additionally finds that reimbursement for home health services is declining, which is affecting patient access to care. The Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare projects that medicare will cut federal funding for home health services by $25,000,000,000 between 2020 and 2029. Additionally, a survey conducted by the Healthcare Association of Hawaii found that Hawaii's medicare-certified home health agencies lost an average of $1,186 per medicaid patient served. As a result of decreases in reimbursement from these two major payment sources, the proportion of medicaid patients treated by these surveyed home health agencies decreased from twenty-five per cent to sixteen per cent between 2020 and 2024.
The legislature also finds that these losses are similarly attributable to increasing costs, particularly the cost of labor, and are making it difficult for home health agencies to adequately recruit and retain their workforce. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii's 2022 workforce report found that the vacancy rate for health care positions in the home health care setting was thirty-nine per cent, the highest percentage of vacancies across professions. The high vacancy rate reflects reimbursement that is insufficient to make home health a competitive setting for nurses, therapy providers, and aides.
The legislature further finds that it has considered increasing medicare reimbursement rates for other home and community-based services providers, such as home care agencies, which provide services primarily focused on assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. However, home health agencies were not included as part of the rate studies conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and therefore have not had their rates reviewed or updated as part of those legislative efforts.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to provide funding for the department of human services to conduct a rate study for medicaid home health services in Hawaii, which will serve as a foundation for future informed decision-making and support the continued delivery of high-quality, accessible home health services to medicaid recipients in the State.
SECTION 2. 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 to conduct a rate study on medicaid home health services in the State.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on December 31, 2050.
Report Title:
DHS; Rate Study; Medicaid; Home Health Services; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to conduct a rate study for Medicaid home health services in Hawaii. 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.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
713 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO A RATE STUDY FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature additionally finds that reimbursement for home health services is declining, which is affecting patient access to care. The Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare projects that medicare will cut federal funding for home health services by $25,000,000,000 between 2020 and 2029. Additionally, a survey conducted by the Healthcare Association of Hawaii found that Hawaii's medicare-certified home health agencies lost an average of $1,186 per medicaid patient served. As a result of decreases in reimbursement from these two major payment sources, the proportion of medicaid patients treated by these surveyed home health agencies decreased from twenty-five per cent to sixteen per cent between 2020 and 2024.
The legislature also finds that these losses are similarly attributable to increasing costs, particularly the cost of labor, and are making it difficult for home health agencies to adequately recruit and retain their workforce. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii's 2022 workforce report found that the vacancy rate for health care positions in the home health care setting was thirty-nine per cent, the highest percentage of vacancies across professions. The high vacancy rate reflects reimbursement that is insufficient to make home health a competitive setting for nurses, therapy providers, and aides.
The legislature further finds that it has considered increasing medicare reimbursement rates for other home and community-based services providers, such as home care agencies, which provide services primarily focused on assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. However, home health agencies were not included as part of the rate studies conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and therefore have not had their rates reviewed or updated as part of those legislative efforts.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to provide funding for the department of human services to conduct a rate study for medicaid home health services in Hawaii, which will serve as a foundation for future informed decision-making and support the continued delivery of high-quality, accessible home health services to medicaid recipients in the State.
SECTION 2. 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 to conduct a rate study on medicaid home health services in the State.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DHS; Rate Study; Medicaid; Home Health Services; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to conduct a rate study for Medicaid home health services in Hawaii. 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.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
713 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO A RATE STUDY FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature additionally finds that reimbursement for home health services is declining, which is affecting patient access to care. The Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare projects that medicare will cut federal funding for home health services by $25 billion between 2020 and 2029. Additionally, a survey conducted by the Healthcare Association of Hawaii found that Hawaii's medicare-certified home health agencies lost an average of $1,186 per medicaid patient served. As a result of decreases in reimbursement from these two major payment sources, the proportion of medicaid patients treated by these surveyed home health agencies decreased from twenty-five per cent to sixteen per cent between 2020 and 2024.
The legislature also finds that that these losses are similarly attributable to increasing costs, particularly the cost of labor, and are making it difficult for home health agencies to adequately recruit and retain their workforce. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii's 2022 workforce report found that the vacancy rate for health care positions in the home health care setting was thirty-nine per cent, the highest percentage of vacancies across professions. The high vacancy rate reflects reimbursement that is insufficient to make home health a competitive setting for nurses, therapy providers, and aides.
The legislature further finds that it has considered increasing medicare reimbursement rates for other home- and community-based services providers, such as home care agencies, which provide services primarily focused on assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. However, home health agencies were not included as part of the rate studies conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services and therefore have not had their rates reviewed or updated as part of those legislative efforts.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to provide funding for the department of human services to conduct a rate study for medicaid home health services in Hawaii, which will serve as a foundation for future informed decision-making and support the continued delivery of high-quality, accessible home health services to medicaid recipients in the state.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 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 to conduct a rate study on home health services.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
DHS; Rate Study; Medicaid; Home Health Services; Appropriations
Description:
Appropriates funding for the Department of Human Services to conduct a rate study for Medicaid home health services in Hawaii.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Jun 6, 2025 | Act 193, on 06/06/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1293). |
| Jun 6, 2025 | Act 193, 06/06/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1293). |
| May 1, 2025 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 2, 2025 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 821). |
| May 1, 2025 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 888). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Pierick excused (2). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 04-30-25 |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 183). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 04-30-25. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 183) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Marten, Morikawa, Amato, Olds, Garcia; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Aquino, Moriwaki, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Hashimoto. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 04-25-25 5:00PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 04-25-25 1:45PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Thursday 04-24-25 1:30PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Tuesday, 04-22-25 1:30PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 828). |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Aquino Chair; Moriwaki Co-Chair; Hashimoto, Fevella. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 732). |
| Apr 14, 2025 | House Conferees Appointed: Marten, Morikawa Co-Chairs; Amato, Olds, Garcia. |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 559). |
| Apr 4, 2025 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 3, 2025 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 550) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 3, 2025 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 2, 2025 | One Day Notice 04-03-25. |
| Apr 2, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1520) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 31, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 28, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 03-31-25 10:02AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 19, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 19, 2025 | Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1146) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 10, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HHS were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Aquino, Hashimoto; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fevella. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 03-10-25 1:00PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Referred to HHS, WAM. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 121). |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Pierick, Templo, Ward excused (4). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 968), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 24, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 15 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Alcos, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Ward. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Monday, 02-24-25 12:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 10, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Belatti, Cochran, Kila, Ward excused (4). |
| Feb 10, 2025 | Reported from HSH (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 259) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Feb 4, 2025 | The committee on HSH recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Marten, Olds, Amato, Chun, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Takayama, Takenouchi, Alcos, Garcia; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Jan 31, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by HSH on Tuesday, 02-04-25 9:30AM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to HSH, FIN, referral sheet 2 |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 17, 2025 | Pending introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 3, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 31, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Mar 10, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services |
Passed |
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| Feb 28, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 24, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Feb 4, 2025 | The committee on HSH recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Position
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Date
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| Healthcare Association of Hawaii | *** Support | Mar 31, 2025 |
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 183
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 713
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. 713, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A RATE STUDY FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES,"
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 appropriate funds for the Department of Human Services to conduct a rate study for Medicaid home health services in Hawaii.
Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:
(1) Inserting an appropriation amount of $250,000 for the Department of Human Services to conduct a rate study for Medicaid home health services in Hawaii;
(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2025; and
(3) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment 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. 713, 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. 713, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, C.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:
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ON THE PART OF THE SENATE |
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ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE |
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____________________________ HENRY J.C. AQUINO Chair |
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____________________________ LISA MARTEN Co-Chair |
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____________________________ SHARON MORIWAKI Co-Chair |
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____________________________ DEE MORIKAWA Co-Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1520
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 713
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. 713, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A RATE STUDY FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys for the Department of Human Services to conduct a rate study for Medicaid home health services in Hawaii.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Healthcare Association of Hawaii.
Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.
Your Committee finds that the rate study funded by this measure will support continued access to home health services for Med-QUEST enrollees by ensuring that home health service providers are fairly compensated for their services.
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. 713, 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 |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1146
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 713
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. 713, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A RATE STUDY FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds for the Department of Human Services to conduct a rate study for Medicaid home health services in Hawaii.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and one individual.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.
Your Committee finds that home health services are a crucial part of the health care system and include higher-level skilled care such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, and health management of complex chronic conditions. Your Committee further finds that reimbursement for home health services is declining, which is resulting in a high vacancy rate for health care providers in home health agencies and affecting patient access to care. Your Committee additionally finds that home health agencies were not included as part of the various rate studies recently conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and therefore have not had their rates reviewed or updated as part of those legislative efforts. Accordingly, this measure's rate study to be conducted by the Department of Human Services for Medicaid home health services in the State will serve as a foundation for future informed decision-making and support the continued delivery of high-quality, accessible home health services to Medicaid recipients in the State.
Your Committee has amended this measure by inserting an effective date of December 31, 2050, to encourage further discussion.
Your Committee notes that this measure contains an unspecified appropriation amount. Should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that it consider inserting an appropriation amount of $500,000, comprised of $250,000 in state funds and $250,000 in matching federal funds, to conduct a rate study on Medicaid home health services in the State.
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. 713, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 713, 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,
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________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 968
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 713
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. 713, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A RATE STUDY FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
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. 713, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 259
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 713
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. 713 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A RATE STUDY FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee finds that home health services play a critical role in the health care system by providing skilled care, such as physical therapy, wound care, and chronic condition management, to homebound individuals who require medical support but do not need hospitalization. However, federal Medicare cuts and Medicaid payment shortfalls have led to financial losses for home health agencies, resulting in a reduction in the proportion of Medicaid patients they serve. Additionally, rising labor costs and a thirty-nine percent vacancy rate for health care positions in home health settings make it difficult to recruit and retain qualified providers. Therefore, this measure provides funding for the Department of Human Services to conduct a Medicaid home health services rate study, ensuring informed decision-making to support the future sustainability of home health care in the State.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;
(2) Specifying that the appropriation shall be for only fiscal year 2025-2026, as the rate study proposed by this measure can be completed within one fiscal year;
(3) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
Your Committee respectfully respects your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $250,000, as the cost of the study will be $500,000, with fifty percent of that cost to be covered by federal funds.
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. 713, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 713, 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,
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____________________________ LISA MARTEN, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Mar 31, 2025 | HB713_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_03-31-25_.PDF |
| Mar 10, 2025 | HB713_HD1_TESTIMONY_HHS_03-10-25_.PDF |
| Feb 24, 2025 | HB713_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-24-25_.PDF |
| Feb 4, 2025 | HB713_TESTIMONY_HSH_02-04-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
1MIN
Conference Committee
3MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
37SEC
Senate Floor
1MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services
2MIN
House Standing Committee on Finance
2MIN
House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness
Bill Author
