Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR139

Introduced
3/10/23  

Caption

Requesting Insurance Coverage For Ketamine Therapy For Qualifying Patients.

Impact

If passed, SR139 requests that beginning January 1, 2024, Medicaid programs and private insurance policies provide coverage for a percentage of ketamine therapy costs. This could significantly improve access for individuals who have not found relief through conventional antidepressants, thereby enhancing the overall mental health treatment landscape in Hawaii. By formalizing this request, the resolution seeks to align insurance practices with emerging treatment modalities, addressing a critical gap in mental health care.

Summary

Senate Resolution 139 (SR139) aims to request insurance coverage for ketamine therapy for qualifying patients suffering from depression in Hawaii. The resolution highlights the State's responsibility to enhance the health and well-being of its citizens, particularly those with mental health challenges. Citing research that positions ketamine as a viable treatment for treatment-resistant depression, SR139 advocates for the inclusion of this therapy within existing health insurance frameworks in the state.

Contention

Notably, while the resolution presents an innovative approach to addressing mental health challenges, it may also prompt discussions regarding the implications of covering unconventional therapies like ketamine. Concerns may arise regarding cost, effectiveness, and the regulation of such treatments through insurance frameworks. Stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and insurers, may debate the necessity and appropriateness of including ketamine therapy in standard treatment protocols as well as its long-term impact on patients and the healthcare system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR90

Requesting The Auditor To Assess Both The Social And Financial Effects Of Proposed Mandated Health Insurance Coverage For A Percentage Of The Costs Of Ketamine Therapy To Treat Depression And Suicide Ideation.

HI SR76

Requesting The Auditor To Assess Both The Social And Financial Effects Of Proposed Mandated Health Insurance Coverage For A Percentage Of The Costs Of Ketamine Therapy To Treat Depression And Suicide Ideation.

HI SCR26

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Social And Financial Assessment Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Step Therapy Requirements For Stage Two Through Stage Five Cancer.

HI HCR225

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Social And Financial Assessment Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Step Therapy Requirements For Stage Two Through Stage Five Cancer.

HI SB279

Relating To Health.

HI SCR159

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Biomarker Testing.

HI HCR53

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Biomarker Testing.

HI SCR207

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Social And Financial Assessment On Mandating Dental And Vision Insurance Coverage.

HI SR183

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Social And Financial Assessment On Mandating Dental And Vision Insurance Coverage.

HI SB993

Relating To In Vitro Fertilization Insurance Coverage.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.