119th (2025–2027)
S. 1624
The Protecting Access To Care in Hawaii Act (PATCH Act) modifies how Medicare pays physicians in Hawaii by establishing a minimum payment floor. Currently, Medicare adjusts physician payment rates based on geographic factors, with Hawaii receiving a lower adjustment because of its cost structure. This bill requires that starting January 1, 2026, if Hawaii's geographic payment index falls below 1.5, it must be raised to that level, effectively increasing Medicare reimbursement rates for doctors practicing in the state. The change is not budget neutral, meaning it will increase overall Medicare spending rather than offsetting costs elsewhere. The bill aims to ensure physicians in Hawaii have adequate payment incentives to maintain access to care for Medicare beneficiaries in the state.