Hawaii Senate Bill SB642

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/25
• Refer: 1/23/25
• Report Pass: 2/10/25
• Refer: 2/10/25
• Report Pass: 2/28/25
• Engrossed: 3/4/25
• Refer: 3/6/25

Caption

Relating To Insurance.

Impact

If enacted, SB642 will significantly update existing insurance requirements under Hawaii Revised Statutes. It aims to ensure that health maintenance organizations provide coverage that meets contemporary medical guidelines established by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, strictly prohibiting exclusions based on prior health status or diagnoses. This effort intends to safeguard individuals' future reproductive capabilities in light of necessary medical interventions for cancer or similar health threats.

Summary

SB642 focuses on expanding health insurance provisions for individuals undergoing medically necessary treatments that result in iatrogenic infertility. Specifically, the bill mandates that all health insurance policies issued or renewed in Hawaii after December 31, 2025, include optional coverage for standard fertility preservation services. This comprehensive approach is designed to assist individuals who face a high risk of infertility as a side effect of cancer-related treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB642 appears to be supportive, particularly among cancer advocacy groups and healthcare professionals who see the bill as a vital step toward patient-centered medical care. However, concerns may arise about the financial implications for insurers and whether the optional nature of the coverage could lead to disparities in access among different patient demographics. Overall, the passage of this bill is viewed positively as a progressive measure in healthcare policy.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB642 may include discussions about cost and insurance premiums linked to the implementation of mandatory fertility preservation coverage. There may also be debates surrounding the scope of what constitutes ‘standard fertility preservation services’ and potential resistance from some insurers who may oppose mandatory coverage provisions, emphasizing the need for balance between patient care and operational viability for health organizations.