HI SB877

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal year 2026-2027 to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for in-home services, including homemaker, personal care, and private duty nursing

Requires the Department of Human Services to obtain maximum federal matching funds for the appropriation, increasing the total impact on provider reimbursements

Addresses findings that current Medicaid reimbursement rates are too low for providers to cover costs, with some providers like Kokua Healthcare unable to serve Medicaid clients

Responds to a 2022 Milliman actuarial study showing direct care worker wages fall below the 25th percentile nationally, creating significant workforce pressure in Hawaii's competitive labor market

Effective date of July 1, 2050 (placeholder date indicating the bill requires further amendment before implementation)