Jill N. Tokuda

Farmland for Farmers Act of 2026

in committee

Expressing support for the designation of February 2026 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "'Olelo Hawai'i Month".

in committee

Tariff Free Farming Act

in committee

“Ms. TOKUDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary service of Dr. Judy Mohr Peterson, who has dedicated her career to strengthening Medicaid and expanding access to high-quality health care for the people of Hawaii. I first had the opportunity to work with Judy years ago at the state level in Hawaii, where we often found ourselves facing some of the toughest policy challenges that states encounter, balancing limited resources with the real [[Page E1200]] health needs of families, seniors, keiki, and people with complex medical conditions. Through many difficult conversations and complex decisions, Judy brought not only deep expertise but also a profound commitment to equity and aloha for people and communities across our islands. As Administrator of Hawaii's Med-QUEST Division, Judy demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing innovative strategies that stretched every dollar of Medicaid to serve our most vulnerable residents. Under her guidance, Hawaii pursued expanded benefits and greater flexibility within federal Medicaid authorities, ensuring that the program could respond more fully to the holistic needs of those it serves. This included securing extension and expansion of Hawaii's Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration, strengthening coverage for health- related social needs, supporting continuity of coverage and care, and enhancing services for residents transitioning from incarceration or foster care to community living. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Judy's experience, leadership, and calm demeanor were indispensable. She mobilized Med-QUEST to implement emergency flexibilities overnight, protected continuous coverage for hundreds of thousands of Hawaii residents, and worked closely with providers to stabilize the health care system at a time when uncertainty and fear were widespread. Her steady guidance ensured that vulnerable families did not lose access to care, that providers were supported in maintaining essential services, and that the state swiftly responded to emerging public health needs. Recognizing that health extends beyond clinical care, Judy also played a key role in expanding community-based services. Under her leadership, Hawaii became the first state in the Nation to secure approval to cover community-based palliative care through Medicaid, allowing individuals with serious illness to receive compassionate, symptom-relieving care outside of hospital settings. These innovations on their own are challenging, and Judy did these while faces with significant public health emergencies and disasters, from the pandemic to the Maui fires. By embracing federal flexibilities such as Section 1135 waivers--she ensured that care continued uninterrupted for those most at risk. Her team's work earned national recognition from the National Association of Medicaid Directors for its rapid response and profound community impact. More recently, as the Nation debated major changes in federal Medicaid policy, including the projected significant cuts and eligibility shifts anticipated under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Judy was a critical voice in helping us understand and prepare for the impacts to medically vulnerable communities across Hawaii. She clearly articulated how new work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks will threaten continued coverage for hundreds of thousands of people in Hawaii, emphasizing the administrative burdens and risk of coverage loss, especially among working families and vulnerable populations. Throughout these transitions, Judy also worked to support providers in transforming care delivery to a more value-oriented model that rewards quality and outcomes, reinvesting in systems and programs that support Hawaii's most vulnerable residents and providers alike. Her approach always kept people at the center, ensuring that even as systems evolve, coverage, access, and dignity are preserved for those who need care most. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my biggest ``mahalo'' and sincerest ``congratulations'' to Judy Mohr Peterson on her years of distinguished service as Hawaii's Medicaid Director and Med-QUEST Division Administrator. Throughout her tenure, she has shown visionary leadership, unwavering compassion, and a tireless commitment to improving health outcomes for children, families, kupuna, and communities across Hawaii. Her work has touched the lives of approximately one-third of our state's residents, and her legacy of innovation and advocacy will continue to benefit all of Hawaii for years to come. Mahalo to Judy for her exemplary public service and for her enduring dedication to ensuring that Medicaid serves not just as a payer of services, but as a lifeline to health, equity, and opportunity. ____________________”

2025-12-15 · Healthcare