URGING THE GOVERNOR TO DETERMINE A COURSE OF ACTION FOR THE STATE, SHOULD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CUT FUNDING FOR MEDICAID.

SCR 144 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging Hawaii's Governor to prepare a state plan in case federal Medicaid funding is reduced. It specifically references potential federal cuts that could impact Hawaii's Med-QUEST program, which serves approximately 1 in 5 residents and 1 in 3 children, and FQHCs that provide care to vulnerable populations like low-income families and seniors. The resolution highlights that federal funding covers 73% of Hawaii's Medicaid spending and notes potential scenarios where state costs could rise or coverage for over 156,000 residents might be lost. As a procedural resolution, it does not enact policy but calls for proactive state planning.