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 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 directs the Governor to inform the Hawaii Legislature that he signed Act 021 into law on May 21, 2026. The legislation provides an emergency appropriation of $14,248,126 to the Department of Human Services to reimburse funds used for food security efforts during a recent federal government shutdown. Additionally, it allocates $16,500,000 for the upcoming fiscal year to help cover health insurance premiums for residents who may lose federal coverage due to new federal policies. These funds are intended to support the Hawaii Emergency Food Assistance Program, the Hawaii Food Bank, and call center services while ensuring healthcare providers can continue to treat uninsured individuals.
This bill establishes a Hawaii Health Plan Working Group to design and recommend a basic, affordable health plan for all state residents. The group will include representatives from the House health committee, Governor's office, Insurance Commissioner, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Hawaii Medical Service Association, and Kaiser Permanente. The working group is tasked with developing a plan to address potential increases in uninsured residents due to changes in federal health insurance subsidies and Medicaid requirements, with a report due before the 2027 legislative session. The group will cease to exist on June 30, 2027, after submitting its recommendations and any proposed legislation to the Legislature.
This Senate Resolution requests the Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of a proposed bill that would expand health insurance coverage for autism diagnosis and treatment. The measure would remove the current age limit of fourteen years and eliminate the $25,000 annual cap on applied behavioral analysis services, directly affecting individuals with autism and their families. The Auditor is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature within twenty days before the 2027 session begins. This procedural step ensures an assessment is completed before any changes to insurance mandates are finalized.
This bill requests the state Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of a proposed law that would expand health insurance coverage for autism diagnosis and treatment services. The measure specifically targets the removal of current restrictions that limit coverage to individuals under 14 years old and cap applied behavioral analysis benefits at $25,000 annually. By requiring an assessment before the proposed changes take effect, the bill ensures lawmakers receive data on how expanding coverage would affect healthcare costs and access for adolescents and adults with autism. The report must be completed and submitted to the Legislature before the start of the 2027 session.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the State Auditor of Hawaii to assess the social and financial impacts of mandating health insurance coverage for brief cognitive assessments for individuals aged 50 and older. The resolution is tied to House Bill 1702, which proposes requiring insurers to cover these assessments to help detect early signs of cognitive decline and dementia. The Auditor must prepare a report analyzing potential costs, benefits, and effects on different populations, particularly groups at higher risk such as Native Hawaiians and individuals with Down syndrome. The report must be submitted to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the start of the 2027 legislative session.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the state Auditor to evaluate the social and financial impacts of mandating health insurance coverage for medically necessary proton beam therapy for cancer treatment. The assessment is required because House Bill 2145 proposes requiring health insurers to cover this advanced radiation therapy, which offers more precise treatment than traditional radiation methods. The Auditor will analyze how this mandate would affect healthcare costs, access to care, and patient outcomes before the proposed legislation takes effect in 2027. This procedural step ensures that policymakers have data on the potential consequences of requiring insurance coverage for this specific cancer treatment.
This bill requests the Hawaii Director of Health to form a working group to study whether arts-based social prescribing - where doctors recommend participation in creative activities like music, dance, or theater as part of mental health treatment - can be integrated into public, private, and prepaid health insurance plans. The working group will include representatives from health insurers, arts organizations, healthcare providers, and relevant state agencies to examine legal, regulatory, and financial feasibility across Hawaii's multi-payer system. The group will analyze potential impacts on patient outcomes and costs, explore pilot program opportunities, and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.
This House Resolution asks Hawaii's Director of Health to form a working group to study whether arts-based social prescribing can be added to public, private, and prepaid health insurance plans. Arts-based social prescribing involves doctors recommending participation in creative activities like music, dance, or visual arts as part of treatment for mental health conditions. The working group will include representatives from health insurers, arts organizations, and healthcare providers to examine legal, financial, and practical issues related to covering these services. The group will evaluate potential benefits, design pilot programs, and submit findings to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution does not change current laws but initiates a study to determine if such programs are feasible for Hawaii's healthcare system.
