2022 Hawaii Legislative Watch: Health

Every year, there are an overwhelming number of issues proposed, discussed, discarded, and passed during the 60-day legislative session. When I last checked, there are 5,060 2021 and 2022 House and Senate Bills under consideration.

I work for a nonprofit mental health counseling center, so I’m particularly interested in health-related issues. I’d like to highlight 5 health-related issues being discussed in the 2022 Hawaii Legislature.  

Health Issue 1: Hawaii has both public and private health insurance plans. Should we have a single-payer health insurance?

HB164, HB193, SB437, SB444 Authorizes the Hawaii Health Authority to continue planning for the adoption of a universal, publicly-administered health-care-for-all insurance model with a single payout agency.

Thoughts: I don’t know. Sometimes I think a single-payer model would be more convenient and equitable, and other times I think it would reduce our choices and options.

Health Issue #2: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare providers pivoted to telehealth to continue to provide services, while keeping physically distant. Should telehealth continue be covered by insurance plans?

HB384, HB1634, SB3288 Prohibits health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations from excluding coverage of a service solely because the service is provided through telehealth and not through face-to-face contact. Requires parity between telehealth services and face-to-face services for purposes of deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, benefit limits, and utilization reviews. HB2057, SB2073, SB2645 Allows for standard telephone contacts for telehealth purposes.

Thoughts: Yes. Telehealth services are convenient, safe, and in most cases equally effective.

Health Issue #3: Hawaii is facing a physician and nursing shortage. How can we encourage healthcare providers to practice in Hawaii?

HB2437 Establishes a $10,000 income tax credit for physicians, osteopathic physicians, and nurses who are licensed and actively practicing in the State. SB2829 Establishes provisional or associate level licensure requirements for marriage and family therapists and psychologists and authorizes insurance reimbursements in certain circumstances. Allows psychologist license applicants to sit for the licensing examination before completing other requirements.

Thoughts: While I generally disagree with adding another tax credit (I support simplifying the tax code), it could be an effective incentive for healthcare providers. And making it easier for mental healthcare providers to be reimbursed by health insurance companies would increase access to quality mental health care.

Health Issue #4: Do we have a right to a clean and health environment, including clean water, clean air, and healthy ecosystems?

HB551 HD1, SB502 SD2 HD1 Proposes a constitutional amendment that guarantees individuals the right to a clean and healthy environment, including pure water, clean air, healthy ecosystems, and a stable climate, and to the preservation of the natural, cultural, scenic and healthful qualities of the environment. HB1803, SB2962 Proposes a constitutional amendment that recognizes and protects, for present and future generations, the inherent and inalienable right of all people to clean water and air and healthy ecosystems, including climate, and to the preservation of the natural, cultural, scenic, and healthful qualities of the environment. Provides that the State and its subdivisions shall protect and shall not infringe upon these rights.

Thoughts: Of course. This is a foundational promise, the basis of stewardship of our land and natural resources.

Health Issue #5: Currently, our protected health information cannot be disclosed without our consent or knowledge. How do we balance our right to privacy with ease of use of healthcare services and transparency of public health information?

HB1106 HD1 Requires all health care and wellness service providers to submit health information to a health information exchange, to be operated and maintained by a state designated entity, for the purposes of facilitating the use and movement of health information among organizations. Effective 7/1/2060. (HD1). SB1022 Requires the department of health to coordinate with health insurance providers to gather and analyze public health statistics, public health program data, epidemiological data, and administrative data to implement and update a statewide public health planning and development program.

Thoughts: I don’t know enough about what information would be shared, how it would be protected, and how it could be used.

What are your thoughts, questions, and concerns about these issues? The 2022 Hawaii Legislature adjourns on May 5. Please think about these issues and how they may affect you, everyone around you, and future generations. Whether you have concerns or feel strongly about an issue, speak up, talk about it, and be part of the discussion! Find out how to contact your legislators.

Explore posts in the same categories: Government, Health

Tags: 2022 Hawaii Legislature, Hawaii Legislature, Health, Healthcare Legislation

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