This bill requires all health insurance plans in Hawaii, including Medicaid managed care programs, to cover the cost of continuous glucose monitors for individuals diagnosed with diabetes starting after December 31, 2026. The law mandates that these devices be covered when prescribed by a healthcare professional and deemed medically necessary, regardless of whether the patient uses insulin. Coverage includes the cost of necessary repairs or replacement parts for the monitors, though standard copayments and deductibles may still apply. The legislation aims to improve diabetes management and reduce long-term healthcare costs by ensuring consistent access to this monitoring technology across the state.
This bill, signed into law by Governor Josh Green on July 7, 2026, establishes new penalties for interfering with access to health care facilities in Hawaii. It prohibits individuals from physically blocking entry or exit, making repeated calls intended to disrupt operations, or threatening harm to patients, staff, and property owners. While the law imposes criminal fines and jail time for violations, it explicitly preserves the right to peaceful expressive conduct, such as labor demonstrations and strikes. The legislation defines affected parties broadly to include patients, healthcare workers, and facility owners, allowing them to seek civil remedies against those who obstruct access.
This bill establishes a new program within Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to recognize businesses that create dementia-friendly environments. To qualify for this recognition, businesses must provide one-hour dementia training to all current employees, after which they receive a website badge and a physical decal for their location. The program aims to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia while supporting customers and fostering a capable workforce. Funding of $90,000 is allocated for the first fiscal year to launch and administer the initiative, with a list of certified businesses made available online for families and individuals with dementia.
This bill requires the Hawaii Department of Education to create an updated plan for maximizing Medicaid reimbursements for administrative and support services provided to students with special needs. The Department must also submit annual reports to the legislature detailing how it meets specific Medicaid claim requirements, such as verifying student eligibility, maintaining proper documentation, and ensuring services are delivered by licensed providers. These reports will include data on the number of students served, the amount of federal funds leveraged, and how the reimbursement money is reinvested. Additionally, the Department must provide training materials and evidence of training for staff involved in delivering these school-based services.
This bill informs the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed Act 221 into law on July 9, 2026. The law expands hospital licensing options by allowing facilities to use accreditation from any Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-approved organization, not just The Joint Commission. Under the new rules, hospitals that maintain full accreditation or certification can be exempt from routine state licensing inspections, though the department retains the right to investigate complaints or adverse findings. Additionally, reports and letters from these accrediting bodies will become public information.
This bill directs the state health planning and development agency to create a comprehensive plan addressing hearing loss across Hawaii. The plan must assess current efforts, analyze data on prevalence and access to care, and offer recommendations to improve screening, affordability, and treatment for people of all ages. The agency is required to share the initial plan with the legislature before the 2027 session and provide regular updates every two years on progress and future work.
This bill establishes a state-funded financial assistance program to cover colorectal cancer screenings and necessary follow-up treatments for Hawaii residents who are uninsured, have inadequate health coverage, or are ineligible for Medicaid. It mandates that all health insurance policies in the state must cover colorectal cancer screenings using approved methods without requiring deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing fees. Additionally, the legislation requires insurance providers to inform their customers about the risks of undiagnosed colorectal cancer and encourages them to consult with physicians regarding screening options. The Department of Human Services is tasked with creating an application process for this program, which is initially funded with $1.8 million for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
This bill, known as Act 231, expands the pool of qualified professionals who can serve as child custody evaluators in Hawaii by including licensed mental health counselors. Currently, only marriage and family therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and clinical social workers are eligible, but this legislation adds licensed mental health counselors to the list of approved professionals. The change aims to address high demand and long wait times for evaluations, which can delay critical decisions affecting children's well-being and increase costs for families. By allowing counselors to perform these evaluations, the bill seeks to reduce backlogs and make the process more accessible and equitable for families involved in family court proceedings.
This bill establishes a three-year pilot program allowing qualified clinical psychologists to prescribe specific psychotropic medications under the supervision of a physician or psychiatrist. The program is limited to treating patients between the ages of 18 and 65 at federally qualified health centers located in Kauai and Hawaii counties. The legislation aims to improve access to mental health care in these areas by expanding the scope of practice for psychologists who have completed specialized training in psychopharmacology.
This bill directs the Office of Wellness and Resilience to create a program that purchases and forgives outstanding medical debt for eligible Hawaii residents. To qualify for this relief, individuals must be state residents with household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level and adjusted gross incomes under $100,000, while also having medical debt equal to at least 5% of their household income. The legislation authorizes the state to partner with relevant agencies to administer the program, which aims to help families avoid the negative impacts of unpaid medical bills on their health and financial stability.
