Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses

Bill HB138 HD2: Removing GET (service tax) for medical services

Posted over 5 years ago

Hello HAPN Members,

Please review and submit testimony in favor with amendments regarding HB138 HD2, a critical bill in the area of healthcare business activities, specifically removing GET (service tax) on all medical services.  At this time, this bill is specific toward physicians, however, we have an excellent chance of including APRNs in an amendment to this bill.  You do not need to write a long letter if you don't want to, all you need to do is click the "support" button and write in requesting the amendment adding APRNs.  All testimony must be sent in by February 3rd, 10:30am to be included. 

Why is this important to HAPN and our membership?  Every year, more and more APRNs in Hawaii start their own practices to provide care for people in their communities.  Our state is one of the only (if not the only) that actually taxes healthcare services.  The cost of doing business in Hawaii in healthcare is high, the cost of living is very high, and reimbursement from both private insurance and Quest plans is very low compared to other states.  We are not allowed to collect tax on service rendered for patients with Quest and other plans, reducing the amount of money reimbursed even more.  

Please join us in supporting this bill with amendments.  At this time, there is a Senate version, however, this has not been scheduled for a hearing (we will let you know when).

 Aloha, 
HAPN

 


Comments

Dawn Ferguson over 5 years ago

I attempted to submit testimony online. The system does not recognize HB138 HD2. Is the number above incorrect?

Nora Wolf over 5 years ago

I also found this to be the case; however, if you choose the "Submit Testimony" link and enter only HB138, it takes you to page that shows the HB138 Relating to Healthcare is active ... you can submit your comments at the bottom of this page. Here is what I submitted:

Dear Committee members,
I am writing to request that committee members consider the inclusion of APRNs and PAs, along with physicians, in the language of ammendment HB138 HD2, relating to Healthcare.  Taxing healthcare puts an additional burden on the high-costs of care for patients, and only increases patients' out-of-pocket costs as insurance does not reimburse for taxes charged to patients. This is an important amendment for residents of Hawai'i, and all healthcare providers should be included in order to ensure the amendment accomplishes its goal of reduced personal healthcare costs for all residents of Hawai'i.
Thank you for your consideration.

Dawn Ferguson over 5 years ago

Thank you Nora. Was able to submit support just now.


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