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HR 153

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 requests a study on whether arts-based social prescribing can be covered by public, private, and prepaid insurance plans as a health intervention.

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Bill Summary · HR 153

Legislative bill overview

HR 153 requests Hawaii's Director of Health to establish a working group that studies whether arts-based social prescribing—using creative activities like music, visual arts, and theater as health interventions—could be integrated into public insurance, private insurance, and prepaid health plans in Hawaii. The working group would examine feasibility, implementation barriers, and potential benefits across these different insurance frameworks.

Why is this important

Arts-based social prescribing is an emerging public health approach with growing evidence suggesting it can improve mental health, reduce isolation, and complement traditional medical treatment, potentially lowering overall healthcare costs. If deemed feasible and implemented, this could expand non-pharmaceutical treatment options for Hawaii residents while potentially reducing strain on behavioral health services. However, insurance coverage of arts-based interventions remains largely experimental and would require coordination across multiple stakeholders.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance coverage questions: Determining what arts activities qualify as "prescribable" medical treatments and whether insurers should reimburse them raises concerns about scope creep and distinguishing clinical interventions from recreational programs
  • Evidence and efficacy standards: Arts-based prescribing lacks the robust clinical trial evidence insurers typically require before coverage decisions, creating tension between innovation and established medical standards
  • Cost and fiscal impact: Stakeholders will debate whether studying and potentially implementing this creates new healthcare spending obligations or generates savings through prevention and wellness benefits

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

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