Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill would guarantee that Medicare payments to physicians providing services in Hawaii don't fall below a certain threshold. Under current Medicare payment rules, doctor compensation varies by geographic location based on a "work geographic index" that reflects regional cost differences. The legislation establishes a floor—a minimum limit—of 1.5 on this index for Hawaii starting January 1, 2026, meaning if Hawaii's index would otherwise be calculated lower, it would be automatically raised to 1.5. This change would increase Medicare payments to Hawaii doctors and is intended to ensure adequate physician access to care in the state. The bill does not require offsetting budget cuts elsewhere, meaning the additional Medicare spending would add to federal healthcare costs rather than being budget-neutral.
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