HI HCR161

MedQUEST Administrator requested to convene a working group to evaluate hospital waitlisted patients with complex medical or behavioral health needs who cannot be transferred to long-term care facilities.

Working group to consider solutions including incentive or add-on payments to Medicaid reimbursement rates to encourage patient transfers from hospitals to long-term care settings, following the model of 38 other states.

In 2011, Hawaii had 7,055 waitlisted patients in hospitals costing an average of $1,404 per day, resulting in approximately $62,700,000 in annual net losses to hospitals.

Working group composition includes representatives from Department of Human Services, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, hospitals and skilled nursing facilities from each county, Hawaii Medical Association, and Hawaii Association of Health Plans.

Working group required to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2018 Regular Session convenes.