Makes an appropriation for the Sage PLUS program to establish four .5 FTE Sage PLUS specialist positions to expand services to the neighbor islands, and for funds to support the program's operating costs.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The Sage PLUS program provides assistance at no charge to people receiving Medicare and Medicaid benefits, as well as their families, caregivers, and people on the verge of retirement.

The program is currently housed and staffed only on Oahu. Volunteers provide limited service on the neighbor islands for residents of Hilo, Kona, Maui, and Kauai, but there is no office or staff support available to them.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to establish Sage PLUS specialist positions for Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii counties and for operating costs to expand and support the Sage PLUS program on the neighbor islands.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $104,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to fund four 0.5 FTE program specialist ___ positions for operation and delivery of the Sage PLUS program on the neighbor islands. The employees shall be housed in Sage PLUS's partner offices as follows:

(1) Maui AAA;

(2) Kauai AAA;

(3) Coordinated Services for Seniors in Hilo; and

(4) Coordinated Services for Seniors in Kona.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this section.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $64,500, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for the recruitment, training, and sustaining of volunteers to augment the Sage PLUS program staff, and for operating costs of the neighbor island Sage PLUS program staff.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this section.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.