Bill > HB2456

This bill requires the Department of Human Services to provide coverage for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs, which are medications like Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for weight loss, to recipients of the Medicaid prescription drug program. Currently, while these drugs are effective for weight loss and have been used for diabetes treatment for years, their coverage for obesity under Medicaid in Hawaii is limited due to a state option to exclude weight-loss drugs for adults. This bill aims to change that by mandating coverage for these FDA-approved GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, provided the patient is prescribed the medication by a practitioner, participates in a lifestyle change program for long-term weight management, and prior authorization is not required, with funds also being appropriated to cover these costs.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2456&year=2026