HI SR161

Supports reactivation of the Hawaii Health Authority (established by Act 11, Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2009, codified at chapter 322H, Hawaii Revised Statutes) to transition Hawaii's health insurance payment system into a single-payer model.

Calls for implementation only after obtaining waivers for Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare and exhausting all federal funding sources for these programs.

Argues a single-payer system could reduce administrative costs by approximately 15 percent at hospitals and physician practices and 15 percent in state administration, potentially reducing total state health care costs by 30 percent and the overall state budget by 9 percent.

Proposes using administrative savings to fund community-based programs for high-risk patients, specialist consultations, and improved compensation for primary care physicians and psychiatrists to address physician shortage.

Requires transmission of certified copies to the Director of Health, Director of Budget and Finance, and Insurance Commissioner.