Hawaii House Bill HCR95

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/26
• Refer: 3/18/26

Caption

Supporting The Reactivation Of, And Urging The Governor To Appoint Members To, The Hawaii Health Authority To Plan For A Transition To A Maximally Cost-effective Single-payer Health Care System For The State, To Be Implemented As Soon As Possible After Waivers Have Been Obtained To Capture All Major Sources Of Federal Funding Flowing To The State Through Medicare, Medicaid, And Tricare.

Impact

The resolution highlights that a single-payer healthcare system could lead to substantial savings through reduced administrative costs while maintaining quality care. It suggests that operational budget adjustments could eliminate a large portion of costs associated with billing and collection, potentially improving efficiency and financial sustainability within the state's healthcare framework. Furthermore, it emphasizes that significant savings could fund community-based programs for high-risk patients, potentially enhancing healthcare delivery and access.

Summary

HCR95 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the 33rd Legislature of Hawaii, aimed at supporting the reactivation of the Hawaii Health Authority. The bill urges the Governor to appoint members to the authority, which is tasked with planning a transition to a cost-effective single-payer healthcare system for the state. This initiative has gained urgency in light of significant cuts to Medicaid, projected to leave millions without health insurance by 2034, and the associated financial impacts on Hawaii's healthcare system, which serves over 400,000 residents reliant on Medicaid.

Contention

Despite its merits, the proposal could face contention from various stakeholders, including those wary of government involvement in healthcare or concerns about the feasibility of implementing a single-payer system. Critics may argue that the transition could disrupt existing services or that the reliance on federal waivers for funding may not be guaranteed. The discussions around this resolution indicate a need for careful consideration of its implementation and the necessity to ensure that all residents receive equitable care, particularly vulnerable populations.