Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Impact Assessment Of Eliminating Cost-sharing For Certain Diagnostic And Supplemental Breast Examinations.
The resolution highlights the importance of diagnostic imaging for early breast cancer detection, as studies have shown that diagnostic examinations, such as mammograms and MRIs, greatly enhance the chances of identifying the disease at an earlier and more treatable stage. The auditor's assessment will also evaluate existing federal regulations such as the Affordable Care Act, to understand their effect on potential changes in policy regarding coverage for breast examinations. Should cost-sharing be eliminated, it is anticipated that more women in Hawaii would seek these critical diagnostics, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and potentially lowering the long-term treatment costs associated with late-stage breast cancer.
HCR134 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Hawaii State Legislature, requesting the state auditor to conduct an impact assessment regarding the elimination of cost-sharing for certain diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations. This resolution is a response to the growing incidence of breast cancer in Hawaii, where the state ranks fourth highest in the nation, and aims to assess the implications of removing financial barriers to such critical health screenings. The resolution explicitly refers to an associated House Bill (No. 598) that proposes prohibiting any cost-sharing requirements for these examinations, which can often deter women from seeking necessary medical care due to high out-of-pocket expenses.
Although the concurrent resolution aims to benefit women's health in the state by removing cost barriers, there may be points of contention surrounding the financial implications for insurance providers and the healthcare system as a whole. Critics may argue that mandatory coverage without cost-sharing could lead to increased insurance premiums, impacting everyone in the long run. Furthermore, stakeholders in the healthcare sector may express concerns over the sustainability of funding for such provisions, especially if significant numbers of women increase their usage of supplemental imaging services as a result of these changes.