HI HCR208

Urges U.S. Congress and Department of the Interior to restore Medicaid eligibility or federal healthcare funding for residents from Palau, Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia under the Compacts of Free Association.

Recognizes citizens of Freely Associated States' historic sacrifices including use of their islands for 67 nuclear tests (1946-1958) and high per-capita military recruitment rates to U.S. armed forces.

Notes that the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act removed Compact residents from federal benefit eligibility including Medicaid, despite their tax contributions.

States Hawaii discontinued Med-QUEST coverage for most indigent Compact residents as of March 1, 2015, requiring enrollment in Hawaii Health Connector plans that may be unaffordable due to high costs and co-pay requirements.

Directs transmission of resolution to President, Congress leadership, Hawaii's congressional delegation, Department of Interior, and state officials urging legislative action to amend 1996 law and increase Compact Impact Assistance grant funding.