HI SB1040

Requires the Office of Wellness and Resilience to study the cost and feasibility of establishing a medical debt acquisition and forgiveness program in Hawaii

Program would target residents with household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, or those with medical debt equal to or greater than 5% of their household income

Study must consider experiences of other states with similar programs and consult with nonprofit healthcare systems and national organizations focused on eliminating medical debt

Report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation due to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2026 regular session

Effective date of December 31, 2050 (placeholder date indicating bill requires further action)