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SCR 216

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO INCREASE REIMBURSEMENT RATES TO PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS FOR SERVICES TO MED-QUEST RECIPIENTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 5 co-sponsors

SCR 216 urges Hawaii DHS to raise reimbursement rates for primary care physicians serving Med-QUEST patients, to improve access and support private practices; advisory, no funding.

Referred to HHS/CPN .
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Bill Summary · SCR 216

Summary of SCR 216 (URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO INCREASE REIMBURSEMENT RATES TO PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS FOR SERVICES TO MED-QUEST RECIPIENTS)

Overview

SCR 216 is a concurrent resolution in Hawaii’s 2025 Regular Session that urges the Department of Human Services (DHS) to increase reimbursement rates for primary care physicians who provide services to Med-QUEST recipients. It expresses the Legislature’s policy preference and requests action by DHS, rather than establishing new law or funding.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • To address concerns that current baseline reimbursements across commercial, Medicaid (Med-QUEST), and Medicare plans are low and fail to provide cost-of-living increases, overhead reimbursements, or compensation for years of physician experience.
  • To emphasize that inadequate reimbursement may undermine the financial viability of primary care practices and could reduce access to care for Med-QUEST beneficiaries.
  • To highlight a trend toward fewer physicians in private practice in Hawaii, underscoring potential impacts on patient access if reimbursement remains low.
  • To urge DHS to increase reimbursement rates for primary care services rendered to Med-QUEST recipients.

Key Provisions

  • Be It Resolved by the Senate, with the House concurring, that DHS is urged to increase reimbursement rates for primary care physicians who treat Med-QUEST recipients.
  • A certified copy of the Resolution must be transmitted to the Director of Human Services.
  • The resolution does not itself authorize specific rate changes or funding; it expresses legislative support and a request for DHS action.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Med-QUEST Recipients: Potential improvement in access to primary care if DHS increases reimbursement rates to physicians.
  • Primary Care Physicians: Possible financial relief if higher reimbursement rates are adopted, potentially affecting practice viability and willingness to accept Med-QUEST patients.
  • Department of Human Services: Targeted agency for action; the resolution requests consideration and potential adjustment of reimbursement schedules.
  • Healthcare System / Hawaii Private Practice Landscape: The bill references broader concerns about private practice viability and physician employment status, linking reimbursement levels to practice models.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: March 7, 2025.
  • Referred to committee: March 12, 2025 (HHS/CPN — Health and Human Services / Consumer Protection & Commerce).
  • Status: Referred to HHS/CPN; as a concurrent resolution, it functions as a legislative expression of intent rather than enforceable policy.
  • Related legislation: SR 191 is a companion bill.

Sponsors and Related Information

  • Primary sponsors include KIDANI, GABBARD, MCKELVEY, CHANG, FEVELLA, and RICHARDS.
  • Related bill: SR 191 (companion).

Notes

  • SCR 216 does not specify a dollar amount, schedule, or funding mechanism for any rate increase.
  • As a concurrent resolution, its effect is advisory and directed toward DHS, signaling legislative priorities and encouraging DHS to act accordingly.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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