If passed, this bill would amend Hawaii Revised Statutes, particularly Chapters 431 and 432, by mandating that all health policies must include benefits covering standard fertility preservation services. By doing so, it establishes a standard framework for coverage that prohibits insurers from denying benefits based on prior diagnoses or fertility treatments. Healthcare providers would be required to adhere to guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, providing consistent and equitable access to these services for affected individuals.
House Bill 1452 aims to require insurance providers in Hawaii to offer coverage for standard fertility preservation services for individuals under the age of twenty-six who may face iatrogenic infertility as a result of medically necessary treatments. This bill specifies that such coverage must be included in all individual or group accident and health insurance policies issued or renewed after December 31, 2023. The provisions of the bill are intended to protect those who might undergo treatments like chemotherapy or surgeries that could impair fertility, ensuring access to necessary medical interventions to preserve reproductive capabilities.
While proponents of HB 1452 argue that it is a necessary step to address the medical needs of young individuals facing potential infertility, concerns may arise regarding insurance premiums and the financial implications for insurers. Some stakeholders in the healthcare industry warn that mandating such coverage could lead to increased costs for all policyholders. As this debate unfolds, it will be crucial to balance the need for medical coverage against the sustainability of health insurance models in Hawaii.