SB450 is an appropriations bill relating to autism services in Hawaii. It would provide an unspecified amount of general fund money for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to increase the Med-QUEST Division’s reimbursement funding for applied behavioral analysis (ABA) services. The bill directs the Department of Human Services to expend the appropriated funds for that purpose.
The measure is focused on supporting Medicaid-covered behavioral health treatment for individuals with autism by strengthening reimbursement for ABA services. Although the bill text does not change eligibility rules or create a new program, it would affect how state funds are allocated within the Med-QUEST system and could improve provider participation and access to autism-related services for eligible recipients.
Impact
SB450 would amend state spending by appropriating general revenues to the Department of Human Services for Med-QUEST reimbursement of applied behavioral analysis services. Its practical effect would be to increase funding available for autism-related treatment under Hawaii’s Medicaid program, potentially affecting providers of ABA therapy and families receiving services through Med-QUEST. The bill does not appear to revise substantive eligibility or coverage statutes, but it would influence administration and financing of existing Medicaid behavioral health services.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests generally favorable support for the bill. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed SB450 with amendments by a 5-0 vote, indicating unanimous support among voting members at that stage. The bill was then reported and passed second reading, as amended, before referral to Ways and Means, which is consistent with a measure that has broad policy support but still requires fiscal review.
Contention
No specific objections are reflected in the provided committee materials or vote record. The main likely point of discussion is fiscal: the bill appropriates an unspecified amount and would require funding decisions by the legislature, which is why it was referred to Ways and Means after second reading. Any contention would likely center on the size of the appropriation, budget priorities, and the cost of expanding reimbursement for ABA services rather than on the autism policy itself.
Urging The Department Of Education, Department Of Health, And Other Relevant Stakeholders To Collaborate And Develop A Strategic Plan To Prepare For Hawaii's Pursuit Of Funding For And Participation In The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention's Public Health Surveillance For Estimating Autism Prevalence.