WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SCR 35

REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS BOTH SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF PROPOSED MANDATED HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF AUTISM AND FOR APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS SERVICES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 2 co-sponsors

Hawaii requests state auditor assess financial and social impacts of mandating autism diagnosis and behavioral analysis insurance coverage before deciding whether to require it.

Offered.
#agelimit #autism #healthinsurance #maximumcoveragebenefit #repeal
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SCR 35

Legislative bill overview

SCR 35 requests Hawaii's State Auditor to conduct a comprehensive assessment of both the financial costs and social benefits of mandating health insurance coverage for autism diagnosis, treatment, and applied behavioral analysis (ABA) services. The resolution does not itself create the mandate but instead seeks data to inform future policy decisions about whether such a mandate should be implemented.

Why is this important

Autism diagnosis and ABA services can be expensive, and insurance coverage decisions significantly affect families' ability to access treatment. Understanding both the financial impact on insurers and taxpayers alongside the social outcomes (improved quality of life, educational achievement, long-term independence) is essential for evidence-based policymaking in Hawaii. This audit could directly influence whether the state pursues a coverage mandate in subsequent legislation.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost concerns: Insurance companies and self-insured employers may worry the audit will justify a mandate that increases their premiums or administrative burden, potentially raising coverage costs for all enrollees
  • Scope of ABA services: Disagreement may exist over what qualifies as medically necessary ABA—some autism advocates support it broadly while critics question evidence for certain applications or duration of treatment
  • Timeline and implementation: Questions about how quickly results will be available and whether the audit's recommendations will be binding or merely advisory in future legislative efforts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.