Requesting The Health Data Advisory Council To Confirm The Number Of Uninsured Children Statewide And Per County In 2025 And The Department Of Human Services Med-quest Division To Estimate Costs And Collaborate With The State Health Planning And Development Agency On Policy Changes Needed To Achieve The Goal Of Universal Health Insurance Coverage For Children.
Impact
HCR39 specifically highlights the existing Medicaid coverage provisions for children in Hawaii, noting the eligibility criteria for continuous coverage based on age and the circumstances under which children qualify for Medicaid. The proposal suggests that expanding Med-QUEST, the state's Medicaid program, could be a cost-effective strategy for increasing the number of insured children due to lower coverage costs compared to adults. This initiative aims to support the broader goal of achieving universal health insurance coverage for children in the state.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 39 (HCR39) requests the Health Data Advisory Council to confirm the total number of uninsured children in Hawaii, both statewide and by county, in the year 2025. This resolution aims to address the significant issue of uninsured children by examining the current landscape of health coverage within the state. The resolution underscores that, according to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2024, approximately 3.6% of children in Hawaii are uninsured, with disparities noted across different regions, such as a higher percentage of uninsured children on Hawaii Island and Maui.
Contention
One notable aspect of the resolution is its request for the Department of Human Services Med-QUEST Division to estimate costs associated with increasing coverage duration for children from the current two-year maximum to up to twelve years of continuous coverage. This raises potential policy discussions on adequate funding and resource allocation, which could affect state budget considerations. Moreover, the collaboration between the Med-QUEST Division and the State Health Planning and Development Agency may lead to future legislative proposals aimed at refining health insurance policies for children, paving the way for addressing uninsured or underinsured populations.
Same As
Requesting The Health Data Advisory Council To Confirm The Number Of Uninsured Children Statewide And Per County In 2025 And The Department Of Human Services Med-quest Division To Estimate Costs And Collaborate With The State Health Planning And Development Agency On Policy Changes Needed To Achieve The Goal Of Universal Health Insurance Coverage For Children.