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HCR 163

REQUESTING THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF ARTS-BASED SOCIAL PRESCRIBING WITHIN PUBLIC INSURANCE, PRIVATE INSURANCE, AND PREPAID HEALTH CARE PLANS IN HAWAII.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeanné Kapela and 4 co-sponsors

Hawaii seeks to study whether arts-based social prescribing can be integrated into insurance coverage to complement traditional healthcare treatments.

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Bill Summary · HCR 163

Legislative bill overview

HCR 163 requests Hawaii's Director of Health to establish a working group that would study the feasibility of incorporating arts-based social prescribing into insurance coverage across public, private, and prepaid health plans. Social prescribing involves healthcare providers recommending arts and cultural activities as part of treatment plans. The bill does not mandate implementation but instead authorizes an exploratory study.

Why is this important

This represents a potential shift in how Hawaii's healthcare system addresses health outcomes, particularly for mental health, chronic disease, and social isolation. If feasible and adopted, arts-based interventions could provide lower-cost alternatives or complements to traditional medical treatments while potentially improving patient engagement and community well-being.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance coverage questions: Determining whether arts activities constitute legitimate medical treatment eligible for insurance reimbursement, and establishing clear clinical evidence standards for coverage decisions
  • Cost and resource allocation: Concerns about whether limited healthcare dollars should fund arts programs versus traditional medical treatments, and who would provide or vet these arts-based services
  • Scope and definition: Uncertainty about what qualifies as "arts-based social prescribing" and how to standardize practices across different insurance providers and healthcare systems

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

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