HI SCR106

Requests the MedQUEST Administrator to convene a working group to evaluate waitlisted hospital patients with complex medical or behavioral health issues who cannot be discharged to long-term care facilities.

Directs the working group to consider solutions including incentive or add-on Medicaid reimbursement payments to encourage transfer of complex patients from hospitals to appropriate lower-cost settings, similar to 38 other states.

Notes that 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 net annual losses to hospitals.

Requires the working group to include representatives from the 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.

Directs the working group to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2018 Regular Session convenes.