This bill requires all health insurance plans in Hawaii, including Medicaid managed care programs, to cover the cost of continuous glucose monitors for individuals diagnosed with diabetes starting after December 31, 2026. The law mandates that these devices be covered when prescribed by a healthcare professional and deemed medically necessary, regardless of whether the patient uses insulin. Coverage includes the cost of necessary repairs or replacement parts for the monitors, though standard copayments and deductibles may still apply. The legislation aims to improve diabetes management and reduce long-term healthcare costs by ensuring consistent access to this monitoring technology across the state.
This bill requires the Hawaii Department of Education to create an updated plan for maximizing Medicaid reimbursements for administrative and support services provided to students with special needs. The Department must also submit annual reports to the legislature detailing how it meets specific Medicaid claim requirements, such as verifying student eligibility, maintaining proper documentation, and ensuring services are delivered by licensed providers. These reports will include data on the number of students served, the amount of federal funds leveraged, and how the reimbursement money is reinvested. Additionally, the Department must provide training materials and evidence of training for staff involved in delivering these school-based services.
This bill informs the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed Act 221 into law on July 9, 2026. The law expands hospital licensing options by allowing facilities to use accreditation from any Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-approved organization, not just The Joint Commission. Under the new rules, hospitals that maintain full accreditation or certification can be exempt from routine state licensing inspections, though the department retains the right to investigate complaints or adverse findings. Additionally, reports and letters from these accrediting bodies will become public information.
This bill establishes a state-funded financial assistance program to cover colorectal cancer screenings and necessary follow-up treatments for Hawaii residents who are uninsured, have inadequate health coverage, or are ineligible for Medicaid. It mandates that all health insurance policies in the state must cover colorectal cancer screenings using approved methods without requiring deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing fees. Additionally, the legislation requires insurance providers to inform their customers about the risks of undiagnosed colorectal cancer and encourages them to consult with physicians regarding screening options. The Department of Human Services is tasked with creating an application process for this program, which is initially funded with $1.8 million for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
This bill directs the state to increase Medicaid funding for residential care services in community foster family homes and expanded adult residential care homes. The legislation appropriates $1.7 million for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to raise reimbursement rates to the "medium" level identified in a 2022 study, addressing previous funding gaps that hindered providers from offering employee benefits. The Department of Human Services must secure the maximum available federal matching funds and explore other private grants before spending the money. These changes are designed to help care providers operate sustainably and expand options for older Hawaiians who need long-term care closer to home.
This bill clarifies that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are enrolled in specific Medicaid waiver programs can live in community care foster family homes without losing their waiver benefits. It amends state statutes to ensure that residency in these homes is not denied solely based on a person's disability status or their participation in a particular Medicaid program. The legislation also updates regulations for these homes, including requirements for caregiver age, continuing education, and limits on how long primary caregivers can be absent while maintaining staffing standards.
This bill establishes a one-year pilot program called KupunAloha to provide in-home health care and support services to elderly individuals in Hawaii who cannot afford care and do not qualify for existing government assistance. The Department of Health will manage the program by creating care plans for eligible applicants, contracting with healthcare providers, and setting specific income and need criteria, while excluding those already covered by Medicaid or other aid. A total of $2 million is appropriated from state general revenues to fund the initiative, which is authorized to run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Before the program ends, the Department of Health must submit a report to the legislature evaluating its effectiveness and offering recommendations on whether to make the program permanent.
This bill, signed into law by the Governor on June 8, 2026, allows licensed home health agencies in Hawaii to avoid routine state inspections if they hold current accreditation or certification from organizations approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. To qualify for this exemption, agencies must provide the Department of Health with official reports proving they maintain full accreditation and hold a valid state license. While routine inspections are waived, the Department of Health retains the authority to investigate any agency with complaints, negative accreditation findings, or during periodic validation surveys, and all survey reports from these external organizations will be made public.
This bill establishes a Hawaii Health Plan Working Group to design and recommend a basic, affordable health plan for all state residents. The group will include representatives from the House health committee, Governor's office, Insurance Commissioner, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Hawaii Medical Service Association, and Kaiser Permanente. The working group is tasked with developing a plan to address potential increases in uninsured residents due to changes in federal health insurance subsidies and Medicaid requirements, with a report due before the 2027 legislative session. The group will cease to exist on June 30, 2027, after submitting its recommendations and any proposed legislation to the Legislature.
This bill urges the Governor to reactivate the Hawaii Health Authority to develop a plan for transitioning Hawaii to a single-payer health care system. The resolution supports this initiative by highlighting potential cost savings from reduced administrative expenses and streamlined billing processes, which could lower overall state health care spending. It calls for the Health Authority to submit progress reports and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. The plan aims to implement the system as soon as possible after obtaining federal waivers to maintain Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE funding.
