arrow_back Back to App

Improving Healthcare Access in Hawaii: Higher Payments for Physicians' Services.

This Act aims to improve access to medical services in Hawaii, particularly for Medicare beneficiaries. It establishes a minimum geographic work index (1.5) for physician services, resulting in higher payments for doctors working in the state. These increased payments are intended to encourage physicians to stay or practice in Hawaii, directly enhancing the quality and availability of healthcare for residents starting January 1, 2025.
Key points
Increased Physician Payments: The Act ensures that the geographic work index used to calculate physician compensation in Hawaii will not be less than 1.5, resulting in higher rates for medical services.
Improved Healthcare Access: Higher compensation is intended to help retain and attract more physicians to the state, which is crucial for residents relying on the Medicare program.
The changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and will not be applied in a budget-neutral manner.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_4395
Sponsor: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Process start date: 2024-05-23
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-flash-latest
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

PATCH Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_4395.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-05-23.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Increased Physician Payments: The Act ensures that the geographic work index used to calculate physician compensation in Hawaii will not be less than 1.5, resulting in higher rates for medical services.
  • Improved Healthcare Access: Higher compensation is intended to help retain and attract more physicians to the state, which is crucial for residents relying on the Medicare program.
  • The changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and will not be applied in a budget-neutral manner.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Health Benefits