Requesting Health Insurers And Managed Care Providers That Provide Health Insurance In The State To Provide Insurance Coverage For Prosthetic And Orthotic Devices.
The resolution emphasizes that without the necessary coverage, many individuals are forced to incur high out-of-pocket expenses or forgo essential devices altogether. This lack of adequate support not only exacerbates health disparities but also perpetuates social inequities, hindering the independence and economic opportunities of individuals with disabilities. By advocating for updated insurance coverage policies, SCR173 aims to mitigate secondary health conditions, such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases, which disproportionately affect those with disabilities.
SCR173 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from Hawaii that requests health insurers and managed care providers operating within the state to provide comprehensive insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices. The resolution is aimed at improving the quality of life for over 18,000 Hawaii residents who are affected by limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments. These individuals often face significant barriers to both physical activities and daily functions due to outdated and discriminatory insurance policies that limit access to necessary prosthetic and orthotic devices designed for specific activities such as running, swimming, or cycling.
Although SCR173 requests insurers to cover a broader range of prosthetic and orthotic devices, it does not mandate such coverage, which could lead to varying interpretations among insurance providers regarding their obligations. This could raise concerns among advocates for disability rights, who may fear that insurance companies could still impose limits or deny coverage based on criteria that are not aligned with the resolution's intent. Therefore, the discussion surrounding SCR173 involves not only the need for better coverage but also the potential implications for insurance reform and the broader accessibility of essential health services.