The passage of Senate Bill 1035 is a vital step forward in fostering a sustainable economic environment for Hawaii’s private practice doctors and dentists, and while this achievement has garnered widespread support across the state, it was the advocacy and leadership from Hawaii Island that were crucial to its success.
This bill, which exempts Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE patient care from the general excise tax (GET), addresses a significant barrier that has long placed Hawaii as the only U.S. state to impose such a tax on essential health services.
The effort, spearheaded by Big Island Sens. Lorraine Inouye and Joy San Buenaventura, received robust backing from the community, including the Hawaii Provider Shortage Crisis Task Force, Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Mitch Roth, Hawaii County Council, Community First Hawaii and the Hawaii State Rural Health Association.
Hawaii has long faced the most severe shortages of primary care providers in the nation, with over half a million residents living in federally designated Health Professions Shortage Areas. The Big Island reports a staggering 41% deficit in doctors, a reality that exacerbates health outcomes across various conditions including trauma, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Local hospitals have been expanding services and increasing access to specialty care, yet the lack of community health care providers continues to leave many medical conditions neglected, increasing the difficulty and cost of treatment later on.
This bill’s passage is expected to alleviate some of the financial pressures on our health care professionals, making it more feasible for them to sustain their practices and focus on delivering care. While this legislative action is commendable and a cause for optimism, it is only the beginning of what needs to be a broader reform effort.
Continued advocacy and further legislative measures are essential to fully address the ongoing challenges faced by our health care providers. By further reducing the economic and bureaucratic hurdles, we can enable our doctors and dentists to concentrate more on what they do best — helping us lead healthier lives — without the constant worry of whether they can keep their doors open.
Gov. Josh Green’s anticipated signing of SB 1035 into law promises improved access to primary health care providers, specialists and dentists, which in turn will help reduce excess mortality and improve health outcomes across the Big Island.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all the lawmakers, community leaders and residents who supported this vital bill. Yet, as we celebrate this progress, we must also acknowledge the work ahead and continue to push for comprehensive solutions that ensure our healthcare system can meet the needs of every Hawaii resident.
Prior authorization policies are a significant barrier to care and markedly decrease the productivity of health care professionals and results in poorer health and outcomes for the community members across the Big Island. This is a critical next step to increase access to health care services close to home.
Let’s keep working together Big Island to lead the way to better health for our island and our state.
Dr. Scott Grosskreutz is a member of the Hawaii Provider Shortage Crisis Task Force. Lisa Rantz is president of the Hawaii State Rural Health Association.
This editorial is brought to you by Community First Hawaii a nonprofit serving as a convener and catalyst for solutions to improve health and access to health care. For more information, please visit our website at www.communityfirsthawaii.org or Facebook and Instagram pages at @communityfirsthawaii.