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HCR 134

REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT AN IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF ELIMINATING COST-SHARING FOR CERTAIN DIAGNOSTIC AND SUPPLEMENTAL BREAST EXAMINATIONS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Darius Kila and 4 co-sponsors

Hawaii requests audit on eliminating patient cost-sharing for select breast cancer diagnostic exams to assess fiscal and health impacts before potential policy implementation.

The committee(s) on HLT recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.
#auditor #cost-sharingprohibition #diagnosticandsupplementalbreastexaminations. #impactassessmentreport
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Bill Summary · HCR 134

Legislative bill overview

HCR 134 is a non-binding resolution requesting Hawaii's state auditor conduct a financial and policy impact assessment on eliminating cost-sharing (copays, coinsurance, deductibles) for certain diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations. The resolution does not enact policy itself but instead directs an independent analysis to inform future legislative decisions.

Why is this important

Breast cancer screening accessibility directly affects early detection rates and health outcomes, particularly for lower-income populations who may delay care due to out-of-pocket costs. The findings from such an audit could influence whether Hawaii implements preventive care expansions, which have broader implications for insurance premiums, state healthcare spending, and coverage mandates.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on insurers/premiums: Eliminating cost-sharing removes financial deterrents that help control utilization; this could increase demand and shift costs to insurers, potentially raising premiums for all enrollees
  • Scope ambiguity: "Certain diagnostic and supplemental" examinations is vague—unclear whether this covers routine screening, follow-up imaging, or specific technologies (MRI, ultrasound), making the fiscal impact difficult to predict
  • Limited preventive care precedent: While federal law mandates free preventive services, this targets supplemental exams, creating questions about how Hawaii distinguishes between necessary screening and discretionary diagnostic testing

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

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