HB 705 Summary

• Establishes a Medi-Medi Project within the Executive Office on Aging to assist older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, individuals with disabilities, and underserved populations in accessing low-income subsidy programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and Medicare Part D Extra Help.

• Medi-Medi Project shall develop community outreach programs, streamline application processes for low-income subsidy programs, and provide referrals and assistance to other low-income programs.

• Appropriates $121,016 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to fund one full-time position ($71,016) and operating expenses ($50,000) for the Medi-Medi Project.

• Requires the Executive Office on Aging to develop a one-year pilot project to provide Medi-Medi services to kupuna and families in the Kalihi Valley catchment areas, with $300,000 appropriated for fiscal year 2025-2026.

• Requires the Executive Office on Aging to submit reports to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to convening of each regular session regarding findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation for the Medi-Medi Project and pilot project.