HI HB2116

Appropriates $5,500,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2012-2013 to provide primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care for uninsured persons through nonprofit community health centers.

Addresses expected disenrollment of approximately 4,500 adults from the QUEST Medicaid program due to income limit reductions from 200% to 133% of federal poverty level.

Funds may be distributed on a per-visit basis or as per-member per-month quality incentive payments, with consideration given to need across all islands.

Finds that community health centers save the state $1,262 per patient annually and saved Hawaii over $160,000,000 in 2009 by reducing unnecessary emergency room, in-patient, and specialty care use.

Takes effect on July 1, 2012.