HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE
INTERIM OF 2009
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES |
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Rep. John M. Mizuno, Chair |
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Rep. Tom Brower, Vice Chair |
NOTICE OF INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING
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DATE: |
Thursday, August 20, 2009 |
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TIME: |
10:00 a.m. |
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PLACE: |
Conference Room 329 State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street |
A G E N D A
The purpose of this informational briefing is to discuss the State's new health plan "Basic Health Hawaii," which becomes effective September 1, 2009. The “Basic Health Hawaii” program reduces coverage to 12 outpatient doctor visits, 10 hospital days, emergency medical and dental care for 7,500 Pacific Islanders. This is being done to cut $15 million annually from the State of Hawaii, Department of Human Services' budget.
The 7,500 Pacific Islanders affected by the new plan are from nations that are parties to the Compacts of Free Association, or former U.S. Trust Territories that include the Federal States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. This new plan also affects noncitizen residents in Hawaii.
The briefing will also focus on concerns and allegations of unethical and improper acts by case management agencies under the Department of Human Services. Such concerns may seriously affect the health and safety of the elderly under the care of Community Care Foster Homes. Moreover, concerns with late payment or failure to receive payment from Healthcare providers under DHS will be discussed, as the result of such late payments or non-payments has the devastating effect of closing several CCFHs. Finally, a review on "transfer trauma" will be discussed as it remains an important issue for Hawaii's elderly.
The Department of Human Services will be asked to comment on the proposed cuts and the adverse impact on healthcare for Hawaii's vulnerable adults and families.
The following organizations and/or individuals have been invited to participate:
Members of Hawaii's Congress or their designee
Governor Linda Lingle or her designee
The Department of Human Services
Adult Protective Services, under DHS
State Attorney General's Office
State's Long Term Ombudsman
The National Association of Social Workers, Hawaii Chapter
Micronesians United
PHOCUSED
Representatives from the Community Care Health Centers
Affected Dialysis and Chemotherapy patients
American Cancer Society, Pacific Chapter
National Kidney Foundation, Hawaii Chapter
Ruthie Agbayani, Community Care Foster Homes
Mila Ka'ahaanui, Hawaii Coalition of Caregivers Association
Lani Akee, President, Adult Foster Homes Association
Myriam Tabaniag, President, Adult Residential Care Homes
Hawaii Disability Rights Center
Ohana Health Plan
EverCare Health Plan
Community Ties of America
Other individuals or organizations that provide essential public services on behalf of the State of Hawaii who will be affected by the funding reduction in the State Department of Human Services' budget.
To ensure that all testifiers have adequate time to speak, please limit answers and comments to 10 minutes per State Department and Administration and 5 minutes for an individual or group.
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If you require special assistance or auxiliary aids and/or services to participate in the House public hearing process (i.e., sign or foreign language interpreter or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the Committee Clerk at 586-6050 or email your request for an interpreter to HouseInterpreter@Capitol.hawaii.gov at least 24 hours prior to the hearing for arrangements. Prompt requests submitted help to ensure the availability of qualified individuals and appropriate accommodations.
For further information, please call the Committee Clerk at 586-6050.
Selected meetings are broadcast live. Check the current legislative broadcast schedule on the "Capitol TV" Web site at www.capitoltv.org OR call 550-8074.
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________________________________________ Rep. John M. Mizuno Chair |
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