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

This Senate Resolution (SR 191) urges the Hawaii Department of Human Services to increase reimbursement rates for primary care physicians treating patients enrolled in Med-Quest, Hawaii's Medicaid program. It states current rates are too low to cover costs, lack inflation adjustments, and don't account for physician experience, contributing to a decline in physicians accepting Med-Quest patients (from 75% to 10% in private practice over a decade). The resolution does not require the Department to act but formally requests rate increases to maintain access to primary care for Med-Quest beneficiaries. As a non-binding resolution, it expresses legislative concern without creating new law.