The bill amends various sections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, particularly chapters relevant to health and insurance. By requiring the coverage of emergency services, it aims to enhance public access to vital health resources during emergencies. Additionally, this move is expected to improve the overall efficiency of emergency response services in Hawaii, as community paramedicine often includes preventive care and follow-up services that can reduce hospital visits.
SB169 focuses on expanding healthcare coverage in the state of Hawaii by mandating that both Medicaid and private insurance plans include coverage for ambulance services and community paramedicine services. Specifically, beginning January 1, 2024, the state’s Medicaid program would be required to ensure that individuals covered under this program can access ambulance services without additional costs. This expansion not only applies to traditional emergency transport but also encompasses services provided by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics under community paramedicine programs.
While this bill has gained support for its potential to improve health outcomes, discussions around its implementation highlight concerns regarding the financial implications for the state's budget. The appropriations needed for these changes have yet to be clearly defined, raising questions about the sustainability of funding for such coverage. Lawmakers are also considering the balance between ensuring necessary healthcare access and managing the associated costs to the state’s Medicaid program and its impact on insurance premiums for private insurers.