Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Mandating Health Insurance Coverage For Mammography, On Terms At Least As Favorable To The Insured As Those Applicable To Other Radiological Examinations.
The resolution aims to address existing gaps in insurance coverage for mammography, where current regulations do not require insurers to fully cover these scans, imposing copayments and deductibles on patients. This can hinder women’s access to timely mammograms, which are essential for early detection of breast cancer, potentially leading to later-stage cancer diagnoses and impacting long-term survival rates and healthcare costs.
SR207 is a Senate Resolution requesting the Auditor to assess the social and financial effects of mandating health insurance coverage for mammography on terms at least as favorable to the insured as those applicable to other radiological examinations. The resolution highlights the critical issue of breast cancer, which is the second leading cause of death among women in the United States, underscoring the importance of accessible breast cancer screenings for early detection and treatment.
There is anticipated debate around SR207 as it touches on the broader issues of healthcare access and the responsibilities of health insurers. Supporters may argue that mandating insurance coverage for mammographies will lead to better health outcomes for women, thereby reducing state healthcare costs in the long run. Conversely, opponents might contend that imposing such mandates could lead to increased insurance premiums and may adversely affect the flexibility of insurers in providing their services.
The Auditor is expected to prepare a report that evaluates the implications of this mandated coverage and provides recommendations to the Legislature, with findings due prior to the next regular session in 2024. This process underlines the legislative requirement under the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which necessitates a thorough assessment of financial impacts before enacting health insurance mandates.