Hawaii Senate Bill SCR151

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Mandating Health Insurance Coverage For Hearing Aids.

Impact

By mandating an assessment through this resolution, SCR151 seeks to inform legislative decisions regarding potential future requirements for health insurers in Hawaii. The assessment will include a review of current rates of hearing loss within the state, cost limitations of existing insurance coverage, and standards for the replacement frequency of hearing aids. This information is crucial for legislators as they consider introducing bills that would enhance insurance benefits, potentially facilitating wider access to necessary medical devices for those affected by hearing impairments.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 151 (SCR151) aims to request the Auditor to conduct an in-depth analysis of the social and financial implications of mandating health insurance coverage for hearing aids. It is recognized that a significant portion of older Americans experiences hearing loss, which can result in substantial financial burdens when purchasing hearing aids, often costing over $3,000 each. The resolution is directed towards understanding the current insurance landscape in Hawaii regarding hearing aids, emphasizing that many existing plans provide inadequate coverage, leading patients to delay or forgo acquiring such essential devices.

Contention

The discussions surrounding the resolution might bring up points of contention regarding the adequacy of insurance coverage and the importance of financial considerations when assessing health care mandates. Previous assessments conducted by the Auditor have pointed out gaps in coverage, which raises questions about the feasibility and effectiveness of introducing mandatory coverage without a thorough understanding of its implications. Advocates for individuals with hearing loss may support enhanced coverage requirements, while opponents may raise concerns about the fiscal burdens such mandates could impose on insurance providers.