STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1549-14

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2014

RE:   S.B. No. 2009

      S.D. 2

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 2009, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to expand health care services for uninsured, underinsured, and underserved low-income individuals.  Specifically, this measure appropriates funds to:

(1)  Provide primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care to uninsured and underinsured patients;

(2)  Restore basic adult dental benefits to Medicaid enrollees;

(3)  Provide outreach and eligibility services at Federally Qualified Health Centers;

(4)  Establish a health homes program in the Medicaid program and at Federally Qualified Health Centers; and

(5)  Provide behavioral health services at Federally Qualified Community Health Centers.

The Office of the Governor, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Community Alliance for Mental Health, United Self Help, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Waimanalo Health Center, Hoola Lahui Hawaii, Hamakua Health Center, Kokua Kalihi Valley Community Health Center, Waikiki Health, Lanai Community Health Center, and several concerned individuals supported this measure.  The Department of Human Services, Department of Health, and Hawaii Primary Care Association commented on this measure.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2009, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair