S. 1624: Protecting Access To Care in Hawaii Act

The bill, known as the **Protecting Access To Care in Hawaii Act**, aims to amend the Social Security Act to establish a minimum threshold for the work geographic index for physician services provided in Hawaii. This change is intended to address issues related to physician compensation and healthcare access in the state.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Work Geographic Index Adjustment: The work geographic index is a measurement used to adjust payments made to physicians based on the cost of living and other factors affecting physician services in different geographic areas.
• Minimum Index for Hawaii: Starting from January 1, 2026, the bill requires that if the work geographic index calculated for physician services in Hawaii is less than 1.5, it must be increased to 1.5. This adjustment is meant to ensure that physicians in Hawaii receive a higher compensation level compared to what would be provided without this amendment.
• Budget Neutrality Exception: The increase in the work geographic index will not need to be budget neutral, meaning that the increased costs will not be offset by reductions elsewhere in the budget for Medicare services.

Impact on Physicians and Healthcare Access in Hawaii

The goal of this bill is to improve the financial viability for physicians working in Hawaii, which may contribute to better healthcare access for residents. By ensuring that physician payments are adjusted upwards, the bill seeks to attract and retain healthcare professionals in the state, aiming to alleviate potential shortages that may hinder access to care.

Relevant Companies

• None found