STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3029

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 2540

       H.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Human Services and Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 2540, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to encourage individuals with disabilities to gain employment and improve their employment opportunities by implementing a Medicaid buy-in program for workers with disabilities.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Human Services, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and ‘Ohana Health Plan.

     Your Committees find that this measure recognizes the importance of employment for the self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities.  A Medicaid buy-in program would promote independence and is aligned with the State's workforce development goals.  Absence of this type of program creates disincentives for people with disabilities to find employment, retain employment, or increase their income.

     Your Committees note and support the Governor's request of $293,405 in general funds and $344,155 in federal Medicaid matching funds to implement the Ticket-To-Work program detailed in the executive supplemental budget request.  These funds will allow the Department of Human Services to design and implement the program for the needs of the population with sufficient flexibility in future years to make appropriate adjustments.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Human Services and Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2540, H.D. 1, and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Human Services and Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health,

________________________________ ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair

________________________________ SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair