THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

139

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING insurance COVERAGE For KETAMINE THERAPY FOR QUALIFYING PATIENTS.

 

 

     WHEREAS, the State has a duty to protect and improve the health and environment of the people; and

 

     WHEREAS, a number of state residents suffer from depression; and

 

     WHEREAS, according to an article published in Current Neuropharmacology, the use of ketamine is a valid antidepressant option for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression, and has rapid antidepressant effects; and

 

     WHEREAS, ketamine therapy would bring relief to many state residents who suffer from depression; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2023, that beginning on January 1, 2024, the State's Medicaid programs are requested to provide coverage for     percent of the costs of ketamine therapy to treat depression in qualifying patients, as determined by qualified psychiatrists or other mental health professionals; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each individual or group accident and health or sickness insurance policy issued or renewed in this State on or after January 1, 2024, is requested to provide to the policyholder and individuals covered under the policy coverage for     percent of the costs of ketamine therapy to treat depression in qualifying patients, as determined by qualified psychiatrists or other mental health professionals; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each hospital or medical service plan contract issued or renewed in this State on or after January 1, 2024, is requested to provide to the member and individuals covered under the plan contract coverage for       percent of the costs of ketamine therapy to treat depression in qualifying patients, as determined by qualified psychiatrists or other mental health professionals; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Human Services and the Insurance Commissioner, the latter of whom is requested to distribute copies of this measure to the entities administering the insurance policies and service plan contracts addressed in this measure.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Ketamine; Therapy; Treatment; Medicaid; Insurance; Coverage