Senator Bob Hasegawa presented two significant joint memorials during the House Health Care & Wellness Committee meeting on March 21, 2025, focusing on critical changes to Medicare and advocating for universal health care.

The first joint memorial, Senate Joint Memorial 8,002, requests the federal government to implement several reforms to the Medicare program. This initiative aims to address perceived inequities between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Key proposals include eliminating the 20% coinsurance for Original Medicare, establishing an out-of-pocket maximum, and expanding benefits to include dental, vision, and hearing services. Additionally, the memorial calls for reducing administrative costs within Medicare Advantage plans and recouping funds lost to overpayments and fraud to bolster the Original Medicare system.

Senator Hasegawa emphasized the disparities in overhead costs between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, noting that while Medicare operates with about 3% overhead, private plans can retain up to 15%. This discrepancy raises concerns about the quality of care and coverage for beneficiaries enrolled in these alternative plans.

The second joint memorial, Senate Joint Memorial 8,004, addresses the broader topic of universal health care. While details on this memorial were not extensively discussed in the meeting, it signals a growing legislative interest in exploring comprehensive health care solutions for all residents.

The discussions reflect a critical examination of the current Medicare landscape and a push towards more equitable health care options. As these memorials progress, they could significantly impact how health care is delivered and financed in the state, potentially leading to improved access and affordability for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining the future of these proposals and their implications for the community.