Bill > HR146

This resolution requests the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to establish a Pharmacy Reimbursement Working Group to address pharmacy service reimbursement challenges in Hawaii. The working group would be composed of representatives from the Insurance Commissioner's office, Board of Pharmacy, retail pharmacies, independent pharmacists, and health insurance industry. The group's primary objectives include studying mandatory health insurance coverage for pharmacist-provided services, examining the impact of reimbursement on access to care, drafting proposed legislation to require fair reimbursement for pharmacists working within their legal scope of practice, and evaluating pharmacy services in other jurisdictions. The resolution highlights the critical role pharmacists play in healthcare delivery, especially in underserved communities, and aims to explore ways to support pharmacists in providing expanded clinical services beyond traditional medication dispensing. The working group would be required to submit a written report with findings and proposed legislation to the Legislature at least twenty days before the 2026 Legislative Session, with the ultimate goal of improving healthcare access and reducing overall healthcare costs in the state.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HR&billnumber=146&year=2025