Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR91

Introduced
3/7/25  
Refer
3/14/25  
Report Pass
3/25/25  
Refer
3/25/25  
Report Pass
4/3/25  
Refer
4/4/25  
Report Pass
4/15/25  
Refer
4/15/25  
Engrossed
4/23/25  

Caption

Requesting Health Insurers And Managed Care Providers That Provide Health Insurance In The State To Provide Insurance Coverage For Prosthetic And Orthotic Devices.

Impact

The passage of HCR91 would potentially transform the landscape of healthcare for many individuals with disabilities in Hawaii. By ensuring coverage for activity-specific devices, individuals would see a reduction in out-of-pocket expenses and increased access to essential tools that promote independence, health, and quality of life. This measure aims to prevent secondary health conditions, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, which disproportionately affect the disabled population. However, the implementation of such coverage would likely necessitate negotiations with various health insurance entities to adjust their existing policies.

Summary

HCR91 is a House Concurrent Resolution presented in the 2025 Regular Session of the Hawaii Legislature, which calls for health insurers and managed care providers in the state to expand their insurance coverage to include prosthetic and orthotic devices. Currently, more than 18,000 residents in Hawaii live with conditions such as limb loss and mobility impairments, faced with barriers that prevent them from fully participating in physical activities and daily life due to inadequate insurance provisions. This resolution highlights the urgent need for comprehensive coverage that accommodates a variety of activity-specific prosthetic and orthotic devices rather than merely offering limited options.

Contention

Despite the bill's positive intentions, there may be points of contention regarding the cost implications for insurers and the healthcare system as a whole. Some stakeholders may argue about the feasibility and financial sustainability of mandating such coverage. Additionally, questions may arise about the provision of equitable access to advanced prosthetic technologies and how it might impact insurance premiums. Therefore, stakeholders, including healthcare providers and insurers, would need to carefully consider the balance between enhanced coverage and the economic ramifications on the insured population.

Companion Bills

HI HR87

Same As Requesting Health Insurers And Managed Care Providers That Provide Health Insurance In The State To Provide Insurance Coverage For Prosthetic And Orthotic Devices.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR199

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Study Providing Certain Health Insurance Coverage For All Children And Pregnant Persons Who Would Otherwise Qualify For Coverage If Not For Their Immigration Status.

HI HCR10

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Social And Financial Assessment Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Weight Management Medication.

HI HCR181

Requesting The Department Of Health To Conduct A Social And Financial Assessment Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Weight Management Medication.

HI SCR17

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Social And Financial Assessment Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Services Provided By Pharmacists.

HI SCR29

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Social And Financial Assessment Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Services Provided By Pharmacists.

HI SCR183

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Study Providing Certain Health Insurance Coverage For All Children And Pregnant Persons Who Would Otherwise Qualify For Coverage If Not For Their Immigration Status.

HI HCR53

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

HI HR203

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Study Providing Certain Health Insurance Coverage For All Children And Pregnant Persons Who Would Otherwise Qualify For Coverage If Not For Their Immigration Status.

HI SCR209

Requesting The Department Of Health To Conduct A Social And Financial Assessment Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Weight Management Medication.

HI HCR112

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Social And Financial Assessment Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Various Sexual And Reproductive Health Care Services.

Similar Bills

AR HB1252

To Modify The Arkansas Health Care Consumer Act; And To Require Coverage For Prosthetic Devices For Athletics Or Recreation And Prosthetic Devices For Showering Or Bathing.

CA AB1892

Medi-Cal: orthotic and prosthetic appliances.

MA S811

To improve outcomes for those with limb loss and limb difference

NM HB131

Prosthetic & Custom Orthotic Device Coverage

MA H1178

To improve outcomes for persons with limb loss and limb difference

MN SF3351

Coverage requirement for orthotic and prosthetic devices

MN HF3339

Orthotic and prosthetic device coverage required, and rulemaking authorized.

NH SB132

Relative to health insurance coverage for prosthetics.