Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Social And Financial Assessment Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Native Hawaiian Healing And Cultural Practices Offered Through Federally Qualified Health Centers Or Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems.
The resolution is significant as it highlights the intersection of traditional healing practices and modern healthcare systems in Hawaii. By mandating an assessment, the bill aims to understand the potential implications of including these practices in health insurance coverage. Currently, very few insurance providers cover Native Hawaiian healing practices, illustrating a gap in health service availability and cultural recognition within the state's healthcare system. If enacted, the findings from the assessment could inform future legislative actions to expand insurance mandates to include these culturally important services.
HCR41 is a resolution introduced in the Thirty-third Legislature of Hawaii, which requests the auditor to conduct a social and financial assessment regarding proposed mandatory health insurance coverage for Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practices. This resolution recognizes that multiple federally qualified health centers and Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems currently offer such practices, which include traditional methods like lomilomi massage and hoʻoponopono. The unique approach of these practices blends cultural, traditional, and spiritual methodologies, supporting holistic patient care alongside conventional medical treatments.
One notable point of contention surrounding this resolution may stem from the financial implications associated with expanding health insurance coverage. Stakeholders may raise concerns about the costs involved for insurers, which could lead to higher premiums or challenges in integrating these traditional practices into the existing healthcare framework. Additionally, there might be debates on how effectively these practices can be integrated with standard medical procedures and the need to ensure the quality and safety of care provided under such mandates. The assessment mandated by HCR41 aims to bring clarity and evidence to these discussions.