HI HR172

Urges the Governor to appoint members to the Hawaii Health Authority to plan for transition to a single-payer health care system for the State.

Supports reactivation of the currently inactive Hawaii Health Authority, which is already established in state law with a mission to plan universal health care coverage for all state residents.

Proposes seeking federal waivers to capture Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare funding to implement the single-payer system.

Projects potential cost savings of 30 percent or more in Hawaii health care costs through reduced administrative expenses in billing, collections, and physician practices, which could reduce the state budget by approximately 9 percent.

Requires the Hawaii Health Authority to submit a progress report with recommendations and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2026 Regular Session convenes.