Hawaii Statutes

Among other things, this bill amends state insurance law to include licensed dietitians treating eating disorders as professionals under covered benefits for mental health services.

Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10A-133; Haw. Rev. Stat. § 432:1-614

Each individual or group accident and health or sickness insurance policy issued or renewed in this State after January 1, 2016, shall provide to the policyholder and individuals under fourteen years of age covered under the policy coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism. Coverage under this section may be subject to copayment, deductible, and coinsurance provisions of an accident and health or sickness insurance policy that are no less favorable than the copayment, deductible, and coinsurance provisions for substantially all medical services covered by the policy. The above likewise applies to policies issued by Mutual Benefit Societies.

Enacted by Hi. SB 791.

Sets forth the parameters and limitations of mental health and alcohol and substance use disorder treatment insurance benefits. For example, all mental health services must be provided under an individualized treatment plan approved by a physician, psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, licensed mental health counselor, advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed dietitian treating eating disorders, and must be reasonably expected to improve the patient’s condition.

Amended by Hi. SB 2820.

This statute was amended to substitute “alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder, and mental health treatment services, including services” for “alcohol dependence and drug dependence for alcohol dependence, drug dependence, and mental illness treatment services.” Additionally, language was added to prohibit financial requirements or treatment limitations on mental health or substance use disorder benefits that are more restrictive than the predominant financial requirements and treatment limitations, either quantitative or nonquantitative, imposed on medical and surgical benefits in accordance with MHPAEA.

Amended by Hi. SB 2820.

This bill required the Insurance Commissioner to file a report about the ramifications of requiring insurance plans to cover autism services.