Bill > SR56

This Resolution formally requests the Auditor, a government official responsible for examining public accounts and performance, to conduct a comprehensive study on the potential social and financial impacts of requiring health insurance plans to cover the cost of hearing aids. This request is prompted by the significant prevalence of hearing loss, particularly among older adults, and the high expense of hearing aids, which often leads individuals to delay or forgo necessary treatment, thereby increasing the financial burden on families. While current health insurance in Hawaii may offer some coverage, it is often insufficient, resulting in substantial out-of-pocket costs for patients. The Auditor is specifically tasked with evaluating the proposed mandate, as outlined in a legislative bill (S.B. No. 2439, S.D. 1), and must submit a report detailing their findings and any recommendations, including potential legislative changes, to the Legislature by a specific deadline before the 2023 legislative session.