Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Social And Financial Assessment Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Services Provided By Pharmacists.
The resolution mandates that the Auditor conduct a thorough impact assessment in accordance with provisions outlined in Hawaii Revised Statutes, specifically sections 23-51 and 23-52. This assessment will analyze the potential benefits of mandating such insurance coverage, alongside any burdens it might impose on the state and healthcare providers. In essence, the outcome of this assessment will serve as a prerequisite for future legislative actions considering the expansion of insurance coverage guidelines.
SCR29, a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii in 2023, calls for an evaluation of the social and financial implications of mandatory health insurance coverage for services provided by pharmacists. Due to a significant shortage of physicians and many areas in Hawaii classified as medically underserved, the bill seeks to empower pharmacists in extending basic healthcare services. The rationale is that pharmacists, with their extensive education and training, can effectively alleviate some of the healthcare access challenges faced by Hawaiian communities.
Potential points of contention include the costs associated with extending coverage to pharmacist services, which might attract scrutiny regarding budget allocations and implications for existing health plans. Additionally, the relationship between state mandates and federal regulations under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) will require careful examination, especially as it relates to coverage benefits and reimbursement strategies. Stakeholders may either support this initiative for increasing healthcare access or express concerns regarding its financial sustainability and practical implementation.