If enacted, SB2673 will adjust the financial framework concerning chiropractic care provided under motor vehicle insurance, potentially increasing the number of visits and the monetary limits that insurance companies are required to cover. By aligning chiropractic treatment benefits with the current workers' compensation fee schedule, it is anticipated that this will reduce the financial burden on patients and ensure that chiropractic professionals receive fair compensation. Additionally, it may encourage more individuals to seek necessary treatments following vehicle-related injuries.
SB2673 aims to amend the existing motor vehicle insurance laws in Hawaii, particularly focusing on the benefits provided for chiropractic treatments under personal injury protection. The bill proposes that the authorized benefits for chiropractic services should be tied to the charges permissible under the workers' compensation supplemental medical fee schedule, addressing the significant disparity in the authorized chiropractic benefits in Hawaii. Recognizing the high cost of living in the state, the legislation seeks to ensure that residents have access to adequate chiropractic care without being limited by outdated fee structures.
The sentiment surrounding SB2673 appears largely positive, particularly among healthcare providers and advocates for chiropractic care, who view it as a necessary adjustment to better serve the community's needs. There is consensus that the existing benefits do not adequately reflect the current cost of care, and this bill presents a viable solution to align them more closely with inflation and rising treatment costs. However, discussions may raise concerns about the implications for insurance premiums and overall healthcare costs.
While the bill does not seem to face significant opposition in the Senate, potential contention may arise related to the impact on insurance premiums and the broader consequences on the insurance market. Critics may argue that increasing benefits tied to chiropractic care could lead to higher costs for insurance providers, which they might pass on to consumers. Nevertheless, the bill aims to strike a balance by promoting fair access to chiropractic treatment while addressing concerns about financial feasibility for insurance companies and policyholders.