STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1520

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.C.R. No. 91

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 91 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING HEALTH INSURERS AND MANAGED CARE PROVIDERS THAT PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE STATE TO PROVIDE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC DEVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request health insurers and managed care providers that provide health insurance in the State to provide insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Health Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that more than eighteen thousand Hawaii residents live with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments. Your Committee further finds that these individuals often rely on a single prosthetic or orthotic device, which is typically designed for limited mobility and does not accommodate activities such as running, cycling, or swimming, as health insurers routinely deny coverage for activity-specific prosthetics and orthotic devices. As a result, individuals with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments must either pay out of pocket for these activity-specific devices or forgo these necessary tools entirely. This measure requests health insurers and managed care providers providing health insurance in the State to provide insurance coverage for these devices, which will allow individuals with disabilities to fully participate in their community and enjoy the same active lifestyle as their peers.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 91 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

____________________________

GREGG TAKAYAMA, Chair