Bill > SB1579

This bill mandates that all individual and group health insurance policies in Hawaii, starting July 1, 2026, must include coverage for services provided by participating registered pharmacists when those services are within the pharmacist's professional scope of practice and are equivalent to services already covered when provided by other healthcare providers. The bill is motivated by Hawaii's statewide physician shortage and recognizes pharmacists' extensive training (including doctoral-level education and potential residency) as healthcare professionals who can help address healthcare access gaps. The legislation aims to support pharmacists by ensuring they can be reimbursed for their services, which can improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare expenditures, and address health inequities, particularly in medically underserved areas. The bill specifically defines a "participating registered pharmacist" as a licensed pharmacist who has contracted with an insurer to provide healthcare services, and it applies to various types of health plans, including accident and health insurance, hospital and medical service plans, and Medicaid-related services. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to update telehealth and provider reimbursement regulations to explicitly include pharmacists, thereby expanding their recognized role in the healthcare system.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1579&year=2026