Bill > HB556

This bill establishes a state-funded program to provide financial assistance for colorectal cancer screenings to certain residents of Hawaii who lack comprehensive health insurance coverage. Specifically, the program will help uninsured individuals, those with health insurance that doesn't fully cover screenings, permanent and non-resident aliens ineligible for Medicaid, and others who face barriers to accessing colorectal cancer screening. The bill requires these screenings to align with recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force and be consistent with Affordable Care Act guidelines. The Department of Human Services is tasked with developing an application process for these screenings and ensuring they are provided without any cost-sharing requirements. The bill amends existing health insurance statutes to standardize colorectal cancer screening coverage across different types of health insurance plans and requires insurers to inform their customers about colorectal cancer risks. An appropriation will be made to fund the program for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, though the specific funding amount is not specified in the bill text. The goal is to increase access to early detection of colorectal cancer for vulnerable populations in Hawaii.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=556&year=2026