STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1896

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 91

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, 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 and intent 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 State Health Planning and Development Agency and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that there are more than eighteen thousand Hawaii residents living with limb loss, limb difference, or mobility impairments who face significant barriers to participating in physical activities, essential daily functions, and recreational opportunities due to insurance coverage and policies that routinely deny access to essential activity-specific prosthetic and orthotic devices. Your Committee further finds that individuals with limb loss and limb differences in Hawaii must 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, swimming, or bathing, creating unnecessary risks of injury, preventable health conditions, and diminished quality of life. Accordingly, this resolution requests health insurers and managed care providers that provide health insurance in the State to provide insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices to promote physical and mental health, reduce long-term health care costs, and ensure a full and active life for individuals in the State who require prosthetic and orthotic devices.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services 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 Commerce and Consumer Protection.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

________________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair