Bill > HB1898

This bill aims to ensure broader access to clinical preventive services by requiring health insurers, mutual benefit societies, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust to cover these services without cost-sharing (like deductibles or copayments) starting January 1, 2027, as long as they are recommended by the Department of Health (DOH) or are on a specific list of services with a grade of A or B from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force as of July 1, 2025, and also includes immunizations. It clarifies that for child health supervision services, "prevailing medical standards" now include recommendations from the DOH, giving it authority to decide which recommendations apply if they differ from other bodies like the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) or the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The bill also protects individuals from liability for providing these services according to DOH recommendations and allows registered pharmacists to order vaccines based on DOH recommendations, in addition to existing guidelines. Importantly, coverage for these clinical preventive services cannot be denied based on medical necessity or require prior authorization, except for reasonable medical management. The bill exempts itself from an Auditor impact assessment report and takes effect on July 1, 3000.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1898&year=2026