STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1151

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 569

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 2

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 569, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MEDICAID,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to create a wellness pilot program for Medicaid recipients or QUEST members.

     Furthermore, this measure authorizes the establishment of a joint legislative task force to examine issues relating to Medicaid.

     Your Committee received comments in support of this measure from Dr. Morris Mitsunaga, MD, President, Hawaii Medical Association.  Your Committee received comments in opposition to this measure from Patricia McManaman, Director, Department of Human Services.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from Ohana Health Plan.

     Your Committee finds that the creation of a wellness pilot program can be the inspiration for programs and practices that reduce the incidence of chronic disease and promote healthier lifestyles.  Your Committee further finds that creation of the task force could help find solutions to prevent future Medicaid shortfalls.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1)  Requiring, rather than authorizing, the establishment of the task force;

(2)  Inviting, rather than requiring, the participation of the named private entities on the task force; and

(3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 569, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 569, H.D. 1, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair