Increases funding for Medicaid in-home services in Hawaii to address rising care costs and improve access.

The bill addresses the rising costs of in-home care services in Hawaii, which have outpaced reimbursement rates. It finds that the actual costs of care provided by Kokua Healthcare's personal assistance services in 2024 exceeded the high scenario listed in the Milliman study. The bill aims to increase funding for Medicaid in-home services to ensure providers can cover costs and continue serving Medicaid clients. It appropriates funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the Department of Human Services required to obtain the maximum federal matching funds available.

Increases funding for Medicaid in-home services in Hawaii to address rising care costs and improve access.

The bill addresses the rising costs of in-home care services in Hawaii, which have outpaced reimbursement rates. It finds that the actual costs of care provided by Kokua Healthcare's personal assistance services in 2024 exceeded the high scenario listed in the Milliman study. The bill aims to increase funding for Medicaid in-home services to ensure providers can cover costs and continue serving Medicaid clients. It appropriates funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the Department of Human Services required to obtain the maximum federal matching funds available.