HCR 36: requesting the auditor to assess the social and financial effects of proposed mandatory health insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screenings.

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

requesting the auditor to assess the social and financial effects of proposed mandatory health insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screenings.

     WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in Hawaii and the third leading cause of cancer deaths nationwide; and

     WHEREAS, screening is vital for the early detection of colorectal cancer; and

     WHEREAS, deaths from colorectal cancer are largely preventable through increased access to preventive health screenings; and

     WHEREAS, not all residents of Hawaii have access to health insurance that provides no-cost colorectal cancer screening; and

     WHEREAS, section 23-51, Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires that "[b]efore any legislative measure that mandates health insurance coverage for specific health services, specific diseases, or certain providers of health care services as part of individual or group health insurance policies, can be considered, there shall be concurrent resolutions passed requesting the auditor to prepare and submit to the legislature a report that assesses both the social and financial effects of the proposed mandated coverage"; and

     WHEREAS, section 23-51, Hawaii Revised Statutes, further provides that "[t]he concurrent resolutions shall designate a specific legislative bill that:

     (1)  Has been introduced in the legislature; and

     (2)  Includes, at a minimum, information identifying the:

          (A)  Specific health service, disease, or provider that would be covered;

          (B)  Extent of the coverage;

          (C)  Target groups that would be covered;

          (D)  Limitations on utilization, if any; and

          (E)  Standards of care.

For purposes of this part, mandated health insurance coverage shall not include mandated optionals."; and

     WHEREAS, section 23-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes, further specifies the minimum information required for assessing the social and financial impact of the proposed health coverage mandate in the Auditor's report; and

     WHEREAS, House Bill No. 556 H.D. 1, introduced in the Regular Session of 2025, proposes to expand existing health insurance mandates to cover colorectal cancer screenings; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the Senate concurring, that the Auditor is requested to conduct an impact assessment report in accordance with sections 23-51 and 23-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes, of mandating health insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screenings as proposed by House Bill No. 556 H.D. 1 (Regular Session of 2025); and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Auditor is requested to submit a report of the Auditor's findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Auditor, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and Insurance Commissioner.

Report Title: 

Auditor; Impact Assessment Report; Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage; Colorectal Cancer Screenings

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1526

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.C.R. No. 36

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 36 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF PROPOSED MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENINGS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to request the Auditor to assess the social and financial effects of proposed mandatory health insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screenings.  

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; Mālama I Ke Ola Health Center; Fight Colorectal Cancer; and seven individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health and Office of the Auditor.

     Your Committee finds that although colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in Hawaii and the third leading cause of cancer deaths nationwide, not all residents of Hawaii have access to health insurance that provides no-cost colorectal cancer screening.  Your Committee further finds that House Bill No. 556, H.D. 1, Regular Session of 2025 (HB556), proposes expanding existing health insurance mandates to cover colorectal cancer screenings, which would be considered a new mandated health insurance benefit.

     Your Committee further finds that, pursuant to sections 23-51 and 23-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the social and financial impact of a proposed mandated health insurance benefit must be assessed by the Auditor before it can be enacted into law.  This measure therefore requests the Auditor to conduct a statutorily required impact assessment report on the social and financial effects of the new mandated health insurance benefit proposed by HB556.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 36 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,