Bill > HB1744

This bill requires the Department of Human Services in Hawaii to update the state's Medicaid plan, or seek approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for such an update, by September 1, 2026, to include coverage for naturopathic medicine. This means that individuals covered by Hawaii's Medicaid program will be able to receive and have reimbursed services from licensed naturopathic physicians, who are practitioners of naturopathic medicine. The bill specifies that patients should be able to choose a licensed naturopathic physician as their primary care provider, and that these services, including evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, preventive care, and ongoing health management, should be reimbursed at rates comparable to those for medical doctors practicing under Hawaii's medical practice law. Additionally, the bill mandates that any necessary adjustments be made to eligibility, provider participation, and reimbursement rules to accommodate this new coverage.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1744&year=2026