Bill > SB482

This bill requires health care providers who accept Medicare to conduct cognitive assessments for Medicare Part B beneficiaries aged 65 and older during their annual wellness visits, starting January 1, 2026. The cognitive assessment must use standardized, FDA-approved tools covered by Medicare, and patients can decline the assessment after being informed about its purpose and potential benefits. Healthcare providers must submit a detailed annual report to the Executive Office on Aging by October 1st, including information such as patient demographics, assessment type, results, and follow-up actions, while protecting patient privacy by using de-identified, aggregated data. The bill aims to improve early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs and helping individuals and families better prepare for potential cognitive decline. Certain exemptions apply, including for healthcare providers who do not accept Medicare, patients already diagnosed with dementia or cognitive impairment, and patients unable to undergo an assessment due to physical or mental limitations. The bill includes an appropriation to cover data management and reporting costs, with the Executive Office on Aging responsible for securely managing and publicly reporting the collected information.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=482&year=2026