HR 87: requesting health insurers and managed care providers that provide health insurance in the State to provide insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

requesting health insurers and managed care providers that provide health insurance in the State to provide insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices.

     WHEREAS, there are more than 18,000 Hawaii residents living with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments who face significant barriers to participating in physical activities, essential daily functions, and recreational opportunities due to outdated and discriminatory insurance coverage and policies that routinely deny access to essential activity-specific prosthetic and orthotic devices; and

     WHEREAS, individuals with limb loss and limb differences in Hawaii must often rely on a single prosthetic or orthotic device, which is typically designed for limited mobility and does not accommodate activities such as running, cycling, swimming, or bathing, creating unnecessary risks of injury, preventable health conditions, and diminished quality of life; and

     WHEREAS, the denial of essential activity-specific devices perpetuates inequities in health, independence, and economic opportunity for individuals with disabilities in Hawaii, forcing many to bear prohibitive out-of-pocket costs or forgo these necessary tools entirely; and

     WHEREAS, comprehensive insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices is critical to reducing the prevalence of preventable secondary health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, which disproportionately affect individuals with disabilities; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that health insurers and managed care providers that provide health insurance in the State are requested to provide insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Insurance Commissioner, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Hawaii Medical Assurance Association, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hawaii Medical Service Association, President of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals Hawaii, Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Hawaii, President and Chief Executive Officer of University Health Alliance, Chief Executive Officer of AlohaCare, and Plan President and Chief Executive Officer of ʻOhana Health Plan.

Report Title: 

Health Insurance Coverage; Prosthetic Devices; Orthotic Devices

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1834

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.R. No. 87

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.R. No. 87 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING HEALTH INSURERS AND MANAGED CARE PROVIDERS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE STATE TO PROVIDE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC DEVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to reduce risks of injury and diminished quality of life as well as the prevalence of preventable secondary health conditions which disproportionately affect people with disabilities in Hawaii.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 87 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1519

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.R. No. 87

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.R. No. 87 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING HEALTH INSURERS AND MANAGED CARE PROVIDERS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE STATE TO PROVIDE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC DEVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to request health insurers and managed care providers that provide health insurance in the State to provide insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Health Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi and two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that more than eighteen thousand Hawaii residents live with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments.  Your Committee further finds that these individuals often rely on a single prosthetic or orthotic device, which is typically designed for limited mobility and does not accommodate activities such as running, cycling, or swimming, as health insurers routinely deny coverage for activity-specific prosthetics and orthotic devices.  As a result, individuals with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments must either pay out of pocket for these activity-specific devices or forgo these necessary tools entirely.  This measure requests health insurers and managed care providers providing health insurance in the State to provide insurance coverage for these devices, which will allow individuals with disabilities to fully participate in their community and enjoy the same active lifestyle as their peers.

     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.R. No. 87 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

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