HI HCR46

Requests the State Auditor to conduct a study assessing the impact of using Medicaid funds to provide coverage for treating homelessness, including costs for the chronically homeless population in Hawaii.

Study must evaluate treatment for homelessness including behavioral health services (mental health and substance abuse), case management, personal care services, home and community-based services, and housing services.

Auditor must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2018 Regular Session convenes.

Background notes that Hawaii had 7,921 homeless individuals as of January 2016 (a 4% increase from 2015), and homeless persons face multiple barriers including mental illness, substance abuse, and lack of affordable housing.

Recognizes that housing instability prevents regular health care access for homeless individuals, resulting in excessive emergency department and inpatient treatment costs that could potentially be recovered through housing-focused interventions.