Bill > HB2209

This bill requires health insurance carriers, which are entities like insurance companies and health maintenance organizations that provide health plans, to accept a patient's written authorization, known as an "assignment of benefits," to pay for substance use disorder treatment services directly to the provider. It prohibits insurance contracts from including clauses that prevent or restrict this assignment, making such clauses unenforceable. The bill also empowers the Insurance Commissioner to create rules and take action to ensure compliance, and mandates the commissioner to publish an annual report on these efforts. Furthermore, substance use disorder treatment providers can sue insurers for payment if they are denied despite a valid assignment, potentially recovering damages, interest, and legal fees. Violations are considered unfair business practices, and insurers must provide an explanation of benefits to the assigned provider upon request, with failure to do so being a violation. This applies to most fully insured health plans in the state, with exceptions for certain self-funded employer plans regulated by federal law.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2209&year=2026