Requires medical assistance programs, including Medicaid and QUEST, to provide chiropractic coverage. (SB1022 HD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§346-   Chiropractic coverage under medical assistance programs. Medical assistance programs under section 346-14, including medicaid and QUEST, shall cover chiropractic, as defined in section 442-1; provided that the department may negotiate rates or establish payment and reimbursement rates as appropriate."

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, and the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to pay for costs incurred in providing chiropractic coverage.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. The director of human services shall submit a report on the impact of providing chiropractic coverage to the legislature, including findings, cost analysis, and recommendations, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2009.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2010, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2009.