Hawaii Senate Bill SCR186

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/16/26
• Refer: 3/19/26

Caption

Supporting The Reactivation Of, And Urging The Governor To Appoint Members To, The Hawaii Health Authority To Plan For A Transition To A Maximally Cost-effective Single-payer Health Care System For The State, To Be Implemented As Soon As Possible After Waivers Have Been Obtained To Capture All Major Sources Of Federal Funding Flowing To The State Through Medicare, Medicaid, And Tricare.

Summary

SCR186 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that supports the reactivation of the Hawaii Health Authority and urges the governor to appoint members to this body. The resolution aims to plan for a transition to a cost-effective single-payer health care system in Hawaii, which would be implemented after obtaining necessary federal funding waivers for Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE. The bill highlights the significant cuts to Medicaid funding as a driving force behind the need for a new health care financing system, which could potentially save the state substantial amounts in health care costs.

Impact

If enacted, SCR186 could lead to a significant restructuring of Hawaii's health care financing system, moving towards a single-payer model. This transition could reduce administrative costs and improve funding for community-based health programs. The reactivation of the Hawaii Health Authority would also facilitate the planning and implementation of this system, potentially impacting state budget allocations and health care delivery for all residents.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR186 appears to be supportive among those advocating for health care reform, particularly in light of recent federal funding cuts. However, there may be concerns from stakeholders who fear the implications of a single-payer system on existing health care providers and the overall economy. The lack of voting history and committee discussions makes it difficult to gauge opposition or detailed support.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from health care providers who are concerned about the transition to a single-payer system and its impact on their practices. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on the feasibility of obtaining federal waivers and the timeline for implementation. Stakeholders in the current Medicaid system may also express concerns about potential disruptions to services during the transition.