Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor, to which was referred H.B. No. 294 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to provide temporary health insurance for unemployed persons who have lost their health insurance.

The Department of Human Services submitted testimony in support of this measure, however, citing concerns regarding possible cost implications associated with implementation.

Your Committee finds that the depressed state of the economy has resulted in numerous employment furloughs, layoffs, reduced work hours, and terminations. Although the affected individuals may obtain some financial relief through unemployment insurance benefits, they may be unable to maintain health care insurance coverage. Given the unstable global climate, the future for these individuals may continue to be difficult. Your Committee further finds that by assisting those in need through the maintenance of health insurance coverage, the economic impact of having a large population of medically uninsured persons will be alleviated.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 294, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.