SCR 190: REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF REQUIRING HEALTH INSURERS TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR MEDICALLY NECESSARY PROTON BEAM THERAPY FOR CANCER TREATMENT.

THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	190
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF REQUIRING HEALTH INSURERS TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR MEDICALLY NECESSARY PROTON BEAM THERAPY FOR CANCER TREATMENT.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Hawaii; and

 

     WHEREAS, radiation therapy is a common and effective treatment modality for many types of cancer; and

 

     WHEREAS, proton beam therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy that delivers radiation with greater precision, reducing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and potentially reducing treatment-related side effects; and

 

     WHEREAS, proton beam therapy is considered medically necessary for certain cancer patients, particularly those with tumors located near critical organs or tissues; and

 

     WHEREAS, coverage for proton beam therapy under commercial health insurance policies in Hawaii is inconsistent and may be subject to restrictive clinical criteria; 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)  Limits 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 insurance mandate in the Auditor's report; and

 

     WHEREAS, House Bill No. 2145, introduced in the Regular Session of 2026, mandates health insurance coverage for medically necessary proton beam therapy for cancer treatment and prohibits imposing stricter clinical evidence standards on proton beam therapy than on other radiation treatments for all policies, contracts, plans, or agreements issued or renewed by health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations on or after January 1, 2027; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Legislature believes that mandatory health insurance coverage for medically necessary proton beam therapy will improve access to appropriate cancer treatment and improve treatment outcomes, quality of life, and long-term health for cancer patients; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Auditor is requested to conduct an impact assessment report in accordance with sections 23-51 and 23-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes, on mandating health insurance coverage for medically necessary proton beam therapy for cancer treatment as proposed by House Bill No. 2145 (Regular Session of 2026); 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 2027; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Auditor.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: 

Auditor; Impact Assessment Report; Health Insurance; Cancer Treatment; Proton Beam Therapy; Mandatory Coverage