STAND. COM. REP. NO.  505-16

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2016

RE:   H.B. No. 1897

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1897, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE COVERAGE OF HEALTH SCREENINGS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to ensure that annual screenings for sexually transmitted diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, are included in insurance coverage.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Hawaii Medical Service Association, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii, and the Hawaii Section of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.  The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments on this measure.

     Your Committee finds that, despite recent national health care reforms, some individuals continue to have limited access to screening for sexually transmitted diseases.  Recent estimates suggest that almost one in eight persons carrying the human immunodeficiency virus is unaware that they are infected.  Preventative health measures, including sexually transmitted disease screening, allow for the early identification, management, and treatment of illnesses.  Your Committee notes that health plans that are compliant with the Patient and Affordable Care Act (2010) presently provide coverage for many preventive services for adults, including screening for many sexually transmitted diseases.  Ensuring that Hawaii's citizens have insurance coverage for annual screenings for sexually transmitted diseases will result in earlier detection and treatment, as well as reduced transmission.

     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. 1897, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

ANGUS L.K. McKELVEY, Chair