Hawaii House Bill HCR91

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25
• Report Pass: 3/25/25
• Refer: 3/25/25
• Report Pass: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/4/25
• Report Pass: 4/15/25
• Refer: 4/15/25
• Engrossed: 4/23/25
• Passed: 4/23/25

Caption

Requesting Health Insurers And Managed Care Providers That Provide Health Insurance In The State To Provide Insurance Coverage For Prosthetic And Orthotic Devices.

Impact

The passage of HCR91 would potentially transform the landscape of healthcare for many individuals with disabilities in Hawaii. By ensuring coverage for activity-specific devices, individuals would see a reduction in out-of-pocket expenses and increased access to essential tools that promote independence, health, and quality of life. This measure aims to prevent secondary health conditions, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, which disproportionately affect the disabled population. However, the implementation of such coverage would likely necessitate negotiations with various health insurance entities to adjust their existing policies.

Summary

HCR91 is a House Concurrent Resolution presented in the 2025 Regular Session of the Hawaii Legislature, which calls for health insurers and managed care providers in the state to expand their insurance coverage to include prosthetic and orthotic devices. Currently, more than 18,000 residents in Hawaii live with conditions such as limb loss and mobility impairments, faced with barriers that prevent them from fully participating in physical activities and daily life due to inadequate insurance provisions. This resolution highlights the urgent need for comprehensive coverage that accommodates a variety of activity-specific prosthetic and orthotic devices rather than merely offering limited options.

Contention

Despite the bill's positive intentions, there may be points of contention regarding the cost implications for insurers and the healthcare system as a whole. Some stakeholders may argue about the feasibility and financial sustainability of mandating such coverage. Additionally, questions may arise about the provision of equitable access to advanced prosthetic technologies and how it might impact insurance premiums. Therefore, stakeholders, including healthcare providers and insurers, would need to carefully consider the balance between enhanced coverage and the economic ramifications on the insured population.