HI HR79

Requests the Department of Human Services to amend Hawaii's federal Section 1115 Medicaid waiver to raise the income eligibility ceiling to 300% of the federal poverty level.

Notes that Hawaii QUEST Expanded originally covered pregnant women, children, and non-disabled adults up to 300% of federal poverty level in 1994, but was restricted to 100% in 1998.

References that QUEST-Net safety net program served adults up to 300% of poverty level initially but became more restrictive in 2008, limiting coverage to those at 200% or below.

Establishes that families earning over 300% of federal poverty level are more likely to have employer-sponsored insurance, making this ceiling reasonable to avoid replacing private coverage.

Requires the Department of Human Services to report progress on amending the waiver to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2013 Regular Session convenes.