Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 17, S.D. 2, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to request the Auditor to conduct an impact assessment report of the social and financial impacts of mandating coverage for mental disorders.

The Hawaii Medical Association and Hawaii Psychological Association testified in support of this measure. The Department of Health supported the intent of this measure.

Your Committee finds that psychiatric disorders have not been considered a core benefit provided by health insurance companies. Parity between mental health, physical health, and substance abuse treatment would fulfill the complete health care needs of many in Hawaii.

Your Committee notes that a bill was introduced this session that would require health insurance companies to provide coverage for psychiatric and addiction disorders. Your Committee respectfully requests that the Auditor pursue the requested assessment regardless of whether the bill passes, as mental disorders are issues of growing importance and further study is required to determine if the mental health care needs of Hawaii's citizens are being met.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 17, S.D. 2, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Legislative Management.