HI SB1040

Requires the Office of Wellness and Resilience to conduct a study on the cost and feasibility of establishing a program to acquire and forgive medical debt for Hawaii residents with household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level or medical debt exceeding 5% of their household income.

Directs the office to examine experiences of other states with medical debt acquisition and forgiveness programs and consult with nonprofit health care systems or organizations engaged with national nonprofits focused on eliminating medical debt.

Requires the Office of Wellness and Resilience to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the convening of the 2026 regular session.

Takes effect on December 31, 2050.