STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1604

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2019

RE: S.B. No. 493

S.D. 2

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 493, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH CARE INSURANCE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to prohibit, under certain conditions, health insurers that cover treatment for Stage II cancer from requiring an insured diagnosed with Stage II cancer to undergo step therapy prior to covering the insured for the drug prescribed by the insured's health care provider.

The Hawaii Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Hawaii Medical Association, and two individuals supported this measure. Hawaii Medical Service Association opposed this measure. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Office of the Auditor, and Hawaii Association of Health Plans offered comments.

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 S.B. No. 493, S.D. 2, 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,

____________________________

ROY M. TAKUMI, Chair