Bill > HCR35

This joint resolution requests the Hawaii State Auditor to assess the social and financial implications of mandating health insurance coverage for biomarker testing. Biomarker testing is a medical diagnostic technique that analyzes tissue, blood, or other biological specimens to measure characteristics indicating normal or pathological biological processes, such as gene mutations or protein expression. The resolution highlights that biomarker tests are crucial for disease screening, diagnosis, treatment prediction, monitoring, and prognosis across various conditions like Alzheimer's, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. Despite the tests' importance in providing personalized healthcare, patients currently face challenges accessing them. The resolution stems from House Bill No. 553, which would require insurers to cover biomarker testing beginning January 1, 2026, when such testing is supported by medical and scientific evidence. The Auditor is specifically requested to submit a report with findings and recommendations no later than twenty days before the 2026 legislative session, with copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Auditor, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and Insurance Commissioner.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=35&year=2025