Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 16 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this resolution is to request that the Auditor assess the social and financial effects of requiring health insurers to offer coverage for cognitive rehabilitation.

The Disability and Communication Access Board, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and a concerned individual testified in support of the bill. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Hawaii Medical Services Association provided comments.

Your Committee finds that traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults. However, survivors of traumatic brain injury can lead full lives with appropriate medical attention and rehabilitation services. An impact assessment of mandating coverage for cognitive rehabilitation services in health insurance plans will provide the Legislature with findings and recommendations for decision-making.

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 H.C.R. No. 16 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.