Appropriates $7,500,000 to Hawaii's system of nonprofit, community-based health-care providers specializing in preventive care for the medically underserved.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that it is in the best interests of the State to ensure access to primary and preventive health-care for its residents. In addition to a healthier population, ensured access reduces state expenditures arising from hospital and emergency room services for preventable injuries or illnesses.

The legislature further finds that Hawaii's system of nonprofit, community-based health-care providers specialize in preventive care for those who are denied care due to cultural or socio-economic conditions. These nonprofit, community-based health-care providers also contribute greatly to the economies of the depressed areas they serve, being directly or indirectly responsible for annually adding $85.6 million and almost 1,100 jobs to the local economy.

The legislature further finds that adequate financial support for this system of nonprofit, community-based health-care providers is constantly threatened by a lack of resources as it is established for those who cannot afford to pay for care.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to ensure the enduring viability of this nonprofit, community-based health-care system in order to maintain cost-effective care for the uninsured.

SECTION 2. The department of health shall provide resources to nonprofit, community-based health-care providers for caring for the uninsured. The appropriation in section 3 may pay for providing direct care including primary medical care, dental care, behavioral and mental health-care, and optometry services. The distribution of funds may be on a "per visit" basis, taking into consideration need on all islands and the cost incurred by the health centers or other entities to deliver care.

Appropriate nonprofit, community-based health-care providers may include community health centers, school-based clinics, and the Care-A-Van program for the homeless.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $3,750,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003, for health-care for the medically underserved.

SECTION 4. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.