REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS BOTH SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF PROPOSED MANDATED HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF AUTISM AND FOR APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS SERVICES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution directs Hawaii's Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of a proposed law that would expand health insurance coverage for autism diagnosis, treatment, and applied behavioral analysis services. The bill specifically addresses a current system that restricts coverage to individuals under 14 years old and caps annual benefits at $25,000, which the resolution seeks to remove. By requesting this assessment, the legislature aims to gather data on how eliminating these age and cost limitations would affect healthcare access and public finances before finalizing any changes. The Auditor must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature within 20 days before the 2027 session begins. This procedural step ensures informed decision-making regarding the expansion of mandated health insurance benefits for autism-related services.