[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E390-E391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN MEDICAID COVERAGE ACT OF 2011

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAZIE K. HIRONO

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 1, 2011

  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce the Native 
Hawaiian Medicaid Coverage Act of 2011. This legislation is a companion 
to S. 36, which was introduced earlier this year by Senator Daniel K. 
Inouye.
  This legislation would allow for 100 percent coverage under the 
Federal Medicaid Assistance Percent, FMAP, formula for Native Hawaiians 
who are Medicaid eligible and access

[[Page E391]]

care from Federally Qualified Health Centers or through the Native 
Hawaiian Health Care System.
  Native Hawaiians, like American Indians and Alaska Natives, are an 
indigenous, native people. Currently, states receive a 100 percent FMAP 
reimbursement for health care services provided through Indian Health 
Services facilities. The bill I am introducing today would bring parity 
in the treatment of our country's Native peoples.
  Congress has previously recognized the unique and historical 
relationship between the United States and the indigenous people of 
Hawaii. I ask for my colleagues continued support for the health and 
wellbeing of Native Hawaiians.
  Mahalo (thank you).

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