URGING THE GOVERNOR TO DETERMINE A COURSE OF ACTION FOR THE STATE, SHOULD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CUT FUNDING FOR MEDICAID.

Senate Resolution 116 urges the governor to prepare a plan for Hawaii if federal Medicaid funding is reduced. It highlights that Hawaii’s Med-QUEST program covers 1 in 5 residents and relies on 73% federal funding, with FQHCs serving vulnerable populations like 45,000 children and 25,000 seniors. The resolution cites a federal budget proposal targeting $800 billion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years, noting potential impacts like 156,000 Hawaii residents losing coverage or needing $3.2 billion in new state funding annually. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change policy but calls for proactive planning.