The bill proposes amendments to Chapter 431 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, allowing insurers to offer HDHPs starting January 1, 2025. However, in conjunction with the provision of an HDHP, the legislation requires that insurers also offer a prepaid health care plan that is not an HDHP. This provision aims to maintain a standard coverage framework while ensuring that employees have access to essential health services, reflecting the influence of existing state laws while accommodating new insurance products.
Summary
Senate Bill 3215 aims to enhance the availability of high deductible health plans (HDHPs) across the State of Hawaii, specifically for the labor force. The legislation mandates that maintenance of a health savings account (HSA) be a requisite for any HDHP, with the legislature emphasizing that these HSAs should be employed for the reimbursement of qualifying medical expenses while maximizing advantageous tax treatments for participants. The overall objective is to provide both employers and employees the means to capitalize on tax benefits outlined by federal or state law through their utilization of HDHPs.
Contention
One potential area of contention within Senate Bill 3215 encompasses the stipulation that employers must contribute a designated percentage of each participating employee's pay into their HSA. This requirement might become a point of debate among employers, particularly small businesses, that could find the financial commitment challenging. Furthermore, the bill's explicit contradiction that no employer can circumvent providing a prepaid healthcare plan may invoke concerns over regulation and cost, with questions raised about how well this intersects with current employer obligations under existing labor laws.
Eliminates use of standardized assessments as measure of student growth or progress in evaluations of teachers, principals, assistant principals, and vice-principals.
Eliminates use of standardized assessments as measure of student growth or progress in evaluations of teachers, principals, assistant principals, and vice-principals.
Eliminates use of standardized assessments as measure of student growth or progress in evaluations of teachers, principals, assistant principals, and vice-principals.