STAND. COM. REP. NO.  481-14

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2014

RE:   H.B. No. 2355

      H.D. 2

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 2355, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO IN VITRO FERTILIZATION INSURANCE COVERAGE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to help ensure that women facing infertility have access to available health care services by expanding eligibility for in vitro fertilization insurance coverage.

The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation and four individuals testified in support of this measure.  The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and The Hawaii Catholic Conference opposed this measure.  The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Department of Human Services, Hawaii Medical Service Association, and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii submitted comments.

     Your Committee finds that in vitro fertilization provides an option for women who are diagnosed with infertility and desire to have a child.  Although mandatory insurance coverage for the treatment of infertility through in vitro fertilization has existed in Hawaii for decades, the current law only requires health insurance policies in the State to provide a one-time benefit for in vitro fertilization procedures and imposes various eligibility requirements that preclude many women from accessing these benefits.  This measure amends the eligibility requirements for in vitro fertilization insurance coverage to expand access to this health care option and increases coverage to up to three in vitro cycles in the lifetime of the insured.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making it effective upon its approval.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2355, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2355, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

ANGUS L.K. McKELVEY, Chair