Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR175

Introduced
3/16/26  

Caption

Requesting Health Maintenance Organizations In The State To Adhere To And Be Held Accountable For Issuing Timely Reimbursements Of Health Care Claims Pursuant To The State's Clean Claims Statute.

Summary

SCR175 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that requests health maintenance organizations (HMOs) in Hawaii to adhere to the state's Clean Claims Statute by issuing timely reimbursements for health care claims. The resolution emphasizes the importance of timely payments to ensure that patients have access to medical care and that health care providers maintain financial stability. It highlights the negative impacts of delayed reimbursements on medical practices and patients, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The Clean Claims Statute mandates that HMOs must reimburse uncontested claims within thirty days of receipt, or within fifteen days for electronically submitted claims. However, the resolution points out that enforcement of this statute is infrequent and often reactive, relying on after-the-fact complaints rather than proactive oversight. This lack of enforcement can lead to significant financial strain on health care providers, who may struggle to cover operational costs while waiting for reimbursements. The resolution calls for accountability among HMOs to ensure compliance with the Clean Claims Statute, aiming to alleviate the financial distress faced by health care businesses and improve the overall health care system in Hawaii. By addressing these issues, the resolution seeks to protect both health care providers and patients from the adverse effects of delayed payments. SCR175 does not impose new laws but serves as a formal request to HMOs and relevant state departments to prioritize timely reimbursements. The resolution is intended to raise awareness and encourage better practices within the health care reimbursement system in Hawaii.

Impact

If adopted, SCR175 could lead to improved compliance with the Clean Claims Statute among health maintenance organizations, potentially resulting in faster reimbursement processes for health care providers. This could enhance the financial stability of medical practices across the state, particularly benefiting those in rural and underserved areas. The resolution may also prompt the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to increase oversight and enforcement of the statute, thereby improving the overall efficiency of health care claims processing in Hawaii.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SCR175 appears to be supportive, as it addresses a critical issue affecting health care providers and patients in Hawaii. Discussions indicate a recognition of the challenges posed by delayed reimbursements and the need for accountability among health maintenance organizations. However, there may be some concerns regarding the effectiveness of the resolution in prompting actual changes in practices and enforcement.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the feasibility of enforcing the Clean Claims Statute more rigorously and whether HMOs will respond positively to the request for accountability. Some stakeholders may argue that the resolution lacks the authority to compel compliance, while others may express concerns about the potential administrative burden on HMOs if stricter enforcement measures are implemented.

Companion Bills

HI SR170

Same As Requesting Health Maintenance Organizations In The State To Adhere To And Be Held Accountable For Issuing Timely Reimbursements Of Health Care Claims Pursuant To The State's Clean Claims Statute.

HI HCR137

Same As Urging An Immediate And Permanent Ceasefire And An End To Hostilities In Iran.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR111

Declaring A Public Health Emergency Relating To Climate Change And Requesting Statewide Coordination To Identify, Plan For, And Create Cross-sector Solutions To Strengthen Hawaii's Public Health Response To The Climate Crisis.

HI SB559

Proposing An Amendment To Article I Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Recognize And Protect The Inherent And Inalienable Right Of All People To Clean Water And Air, A Healthful Environment And Climate, Healthy Native Ecosystems, And Beaches.

HI SR9

Requesting The Department Of Human Services And Department Of Health To Establish A Program To Incentivize Community Care Foster Family Homes In The State To Accept Individuals Who Are Eligible For Assistance Pursuant To The State's Medicaid I/dd Waiver Program.

HI SR57

Requesting The Department Of Human Services And Department Of Health To Establish A Program To Incentivize Community Care Foster Family Homes In The State To Accept Individuals Who Are Eligible For Assistance Pursuant To The State's Medicaid I/dd Waiver Program.

HI HCR188

Declaring A Public Health Emergency Relating To Climate Change And Requesting Statewide Coordination To Identify, Plan For, And Create Cross-sector Solutions To Strengthen Hawaii's Public Health Response To The Climate Crisis.

HI SCR13

Requesting The Department Of Human Services And Department Of Health To Establish A Program To Incentivize Community Care Foster Family Homes In The State To Accept Individuals Who Are Eligible For Assistance Pursuant To The State's Medicaid I/dd Waiver Program.

HI SCR74

Requesting The Department Of Human Services And Department Of Health To Establish A Program To Incentivize Community Care Foster Family Homes In The State To Accept Individuals Who Are Eligible For Assistance Pursuant To The State's Medicaid I/dd Waiver Program.

HI HR182

Declaring A Public Health Emergency Relating To Climate Change And Requesting Statewide Coordination To Identify, Plan For, And Create Cross-sector Solutions To Strengthen Hawaii's Public Health Response To The Climate Crisis.

HI SB796

Relating To Claims Against The State.

HI SCR69

Requesting The Administrator Of The State Health Planning And Development Agency To Convene A Pharmacy Benefit Manager Working Group To Determine The Best Policies To Lower Drug Costs For Patient Consumers And Increase Access To Health Care.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.