Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR35

Introduced
3/10/26  

Caption

Requesting The Auditor To Assess Both Social And Financial Effects Of Proposed Mandated Health Insurance Coverage For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Autism And For Applied Behavioral Analysis Services.

Impact

The resolution underlines the limitations imposed by existing laws, specifically noting the annual cap of $25,000 for applied behavioral analysis coverage, which may not meet the needs of many individuals. By repealing these age and cap limits, SCR35 aims to enhance equitable access to treatments necessary for effective support and long-term health improvements for individuals with autism across Hawaii.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 35 (SCR35) requests an assessment by the auditor of the social and financial effects of proposed mandated health insurance coverage for autism diagnosis and treatment, along with applied behavioral analysis services. It highlights that current legislation restricts coverage to individuals under the age of fourteen, effectively denying essential therapeutic support to older adolescents and adults affected by autism spectrum disorder.

Contention

The review requested through SCR35 is a necessary precursor to any amendments on mandated health coverage for autism. The findings will guide potential legislation that could broaden coverage, thereby allowing for more comprehensive support systems for individuals affected by autism beyond the age limits that currently exist. However, this focus on broadening coverage may raise discussions regarding the financial implications for state-funded healthcare systems and insurance providers, as expanded benefits could increase overall expenditure.

Companion Bills

HI SR34

Same As Requesting The Auditor To Assess Both Social And Financial Effects Of Proposed Mandated Health Insurance Coverage For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Autism And For Applied Behavioral Analysis Services.

HI HCR28

Same As Requesting The Auditor To Assess Both Social And Financial Effects Of Proposed Mandated Health Insurance Coverage For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Autism And For Applied Behavioral Analysis Services.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR29

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Biomarker Testing.

HI SCR151

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Mandating Health Insurance Coverage For Hearing Aids.

HI SR121

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Mandating Health Insurance Coverage For Hearing Aids.

HI SCR120

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Continuous Glucose Monitors.

HI SCR28

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Colorectal Cancer Screenings.

HI HCR35

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Biomarker Testing.

HI SCR8

Requesting The Auditor To Assess Both The Social And Financial Effects Of Proposed Mandated Health Insurance Coverage For A Percentage Of The Costs Of Intravenous Ketamine Therapy To Treat Depression.

HI SCR97

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Mandating Health Insurance Coverage For Ambulance And Community Paramedicine Services.

HI SR101

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Continuous Glucose Monitors.

HI HCR36

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Colorectal Cancer Screenings.

Similar Bills

CA AB951

An act to amend Section 1374.

NJ A3650

Creates behavioral health court pilot program.

NJ S2038

Creates behavioral health court pilot program.

WV HB5349

Requiring the Public Employees Agency and other health insurance providers to provide mental health parity

WV HB2770

Requiring the Public Employees Agency and other health insurance providers to provide mental health parity

HI HB1670

Relating To Insurance.

HI SB2204

Relating To Insurance.

CA AB277

Behavioral health centers, facilities, and programs: background checks.