Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR239

Introduced
3/11/22  

Caption

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Financial Analysis Of The Managed Care Organizations That Administer The Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund By Auditing The Amounts Paid For Health Care And Amounts Paid For Administrative Services.

Impact

The resolution underscores significant challenges within Hawaii's health care system, including high administrative costs and the complexities arising from a competitive insurance business model that affects patient care. By examining these factors, the bill seeks to not only clarify spending on health care services but also address broader issues such as disparities in access to care, which many residents face due to obstacles like restrictive prior authorizations and limited physician networks. Overall, the analysis aims to contribute to efforts for enhancing the quality and affordability of health care for beneficiaries of the Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund.

Summary

SCR239 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from Hawaii requesting the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct an in-depth financial analysis of the managed care organizations that administer the Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund. This analysis aims to review the amounts paid for health care and administrative services, which has become increasingly relevant as costs of health care in Hawaii continue to soar. Supporters view this initiative as necessary for ensuring transparency and accountability in health care expenditures, particularly in light of the financial pressures posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contention

One notable area of contention relates to the ongoing limitations posed by existing health care policies, and how they impact both patients and healthcare providers. The resolution addresses concerns regarding the burdensome administrative demands placed on physicians, which are said to drive professionals out of practice or leave them disillusioned with the prevailing system. Critics of the current model voice that without proper oversight and reform, Hawaii risks losing its once commendable health care standing, a situation exacerbated by the pandemic. The outcomes of the proposed analysis could lead to potential legislative changes aimed at reducing administrative overheads and improving patient care protocols.

Companion Bills

HI SR140

Same As Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Financial Analysis Of The Managed Care Organizations That Administer The Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund By Auditing The Amounts Paid For Health Care And Amounts Paid For Administrative Services.

HI HCR133

Same As Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Financial Analysis Of The Managed Care Organizations That Administer The Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund By Auditing The Amounts Paid For Health Care And Amounts Paid For Administrative Services.

Previously Filed As

HI HR167

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study On Best Practices For Nurse Staffing In Healthcare Facilities.

HI HCR182

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study Of Statutes And Regulations Related To Prior Authorization Requirements And The Timely Delivery Of Health Care Services In The State And Include An Analysis Of Prior Authorization Reform, With Input Of Data And Feedback From Stakeholders, Including Patient Advocates, Providers, Facilities, And Payers.

HI HCR187

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study On Best Practices For Nurse Staffing In Health Care Facilities.

HI HR162

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study Of Statutes And Regulations Related To Prior Authorization Requirements And The Timely Delivery Of Health Care Services In The State And Include An Analysis Of Prior Authorization Reform, With Input Of Data And Feedback From Stakeholders, Including Patient Advocates, Providers, Facilities, And Payers.

HI HB1015

Relating To The Hawaii Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund.

HI SB2506

Relating To The Board Of Trustees Of The Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund.

HI SB2530

Relating To The Hawaii Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund Board Of Trustees.

HI HB2519

Relating To The Hawaii Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund Board Of Trustees.

HI SB1049

Relating To Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund Contributions.

HI SB1226

Relating To The Hawaii Employer-union Health Benefits Trust Fund.

Similar Bills

NV SB274

Revises provisions relating to industrial insurance. (BDR 53-946)

CA AB1278

Workers’ compensation: medical provider networks.

NV AB441

Revises provisions relating to industrial insurance. (BDR 53-1002)

CA SB537

Workers’ compensation: treatment and disability.

CA SB489

Workers’ compensation: change of physician.

CA AB2848

Workers’ compensation: medical treatment.

CA SB924

Workers’ compensation: utilization review.

CA SB636

Workers’ compensation: utilization review.