Bill > SB46

This bill requires all health insurers in Hawaii, including Medicaid managed care programs, to cover annual mental health wellness examinations starting January 1, 2026. These examinations will be up to 60 minutes long, performed by qualified mental health care providers, and completely free of deductibles or copayments. The mental health wellness examinations may include comprehensive activities such as behavioral health screenings, observations, consultations on lifestyle changes, discussions about potential medication, age-appropriate mental health assessments, and referrals for ongoing treatment. The bill defines "qualified mental health care providers" broadly, including physicians, psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, substance abuse counselors, and advanced practice registered nurses with psychiatric specialization. The coverage must be at least as extensive as physical examinations and comply with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Insurers will be required to reimburse providers for all costs associated with these examinations, and the requirement will apply to all individual and group health insurance policies, hospital and medical service plans, and Medicaid managed care programs in the state.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=46&year=2026