Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Human Services and Housing and Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 2936, S.D. 2, entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to provide state-funded medical assistance to pregnant legal immigrant women aged 19 or older whose family income does not exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty level.

The Department of Human Services, Kokua Council, Hawaii Primary Care Association, Kalihi-Palama Health Center, MothersCare For Tomorrow's Children, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Na Loio–Immigrant Rights and Public Interest Legal Center, March of Dimes Hawaii Chapter, and Kokua Kalihi Valley testified in support of this measure.

Your Committees find that income-eligible pregnant legal immigrants who have lived in the United States for less than five years currently are not eligible for medical assistance. Prenatal care enhances the birth of a healthy baby, and prevents costly additional medically necessary services.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Human Services and Housing and Health that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2936, S.D. 2, and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.