[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18879]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN MEDICAID COVERAGE ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAZIE K. HIRONO

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 2, 2010

  Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Native 
Hawaiian Medicaid Coverage Act of 2010. This legislation is a companion 
to S. 52, 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 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.

                          ____________________