STAND. COM. REP. NO. 834

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 768

       S.D. 1

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 768, S.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to provide in vitro fertilization insurance coverage equality for all women who are diagnosed with infertility, by requiring non-discriminatory coverage and ensuring quality of care in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Women Lawyers and two individuals.  Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from the Hawaii Catholic Conference.  Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services and Hawaii Medical Service Association.

     Your Committee finds that in vitro fertilization has provided a solution for many diagnosed with infertility and who desire to have a child.  Since 1987, Hawaii has required insurance coverage for infertility treatment through in vitro fertilization.  However, the current law has many restrictions.  For example, it only applies to the insured or the insured's spouse, requires fertilization with the sperm from the patient's spouse, requires a history of infertility for at least five years, and requires previous pregnancy attempts through other applicable infertility treatment for which coverage is provided.  Your Committee believes this measure eliminates discrimination for in vitro fertilization insurance coverage and provides quality care for those seeking in vitro fertilization.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 768, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair