STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2230

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2917

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 2917 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FAMILY PLANNING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require oocyte cryopreservation to be covered by health insurance policies;

(2) Remove the one-time benefit limitation for in vitro fertilization; and

(3) Reduce the number of years of infertility before becoming eligible for in vitro fertilization from five years to two years.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Medical Service Association, and Hawaii Association of Health Plans.

Your Committee finds that, while Hawaii has been a leader in advancing reproductive rights, gaps in coverage and care still exist, particularly with regard to certain family planning and infertility treatments, a number of which still discriminate against unmarried women. This measure helps to increase access to covered care and allow insureds to plan their families in a way that is appropriate for them. Your Committee notes this measure is subject to an Auditor's impact assessment report, which would be expected prior to the commencement of the Legislative Session of 2023, in the event a concurrent resolution is adopted.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Making conforming amendments to ensure that unmarried women have access to coverage; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2917, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2917, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

________________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair