Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 55 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to restore eligibility for state-funded medical assistance to income-eligible pregnant women who arrived in the United States after August 22, 1996. In addition, this measure makes an appropriation to fund pregnancy-related medical assistance.

Your Committee received testimony in favor of this measure from the department of human services, Kokua Kalihi Valley, Hawaii State Primary Care Association, MothersCare for Tomorrow's Children, and American Friends Service Committee.

Your Committee finds that current federal law unfairly denies medical assistance and other benefits for income-qualified immigrants. Although current state law deems income-qualified immigrant children under the age of nineteen eligible for QUEST coverage, pregnant immigrant women continue to be denied benefits. It is in the interest of the State to provide these women with access to timely and regular prenatal care to safeguard their health and that of their babies. Thus, your Committee finds that income-qualified pregnant women immigrants should be allowed state-funded medical assistance, including QUEST benefits.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 55 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.