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SR 6

URGING THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE STATE HEALTH PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO ESTABLISH A WORKING GROUP ON HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM TO PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REDUCING THE IMPACT OF PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS ON THE TIMELY DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE IN THE STATE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Henry Aquino and 6 co-sponsors

Hawaii directs health agency to form working group recommending reductions to insurance prior authorization requirements delaying patient care access.

Report and Resolution Adopted, as amended (SD 2).
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Bill Summary · SR 6

Legislative bill overview

SR 6 urges Hawaii's State Health Planning and Development Agency to establish a working group that will study and recommend solutions to reduce prior authorization requirements that delay patient access to healthcare. The resolution does not create law but calls for administrative action to address a documented problem in the state's health insurance system.

Why is this important

Prior authorization—where insurers must approve treatments before they're provided—frequently delays necessary medical care, potentially worsening patient outcomes and increasing emergency room visits. Hawaii patients and providers have identified this as a significant barrier to timely healthcare delivery, making policy recommendations on this issue relevant to public health and healthcare costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of authority: Whether an urging resolution effectively compels action or merely suggests it, with no enforcement mechanism if the agency deprioritizes the initiative
  • Insurance industry concerns: Insurers argue prior authorization controls costs and prevents unnecessary procedures, so recommendations may face resistance from industry stakeholders not represented in the working group
  • Implementation timeline and funding: No specified deadline or budget allocation for the working group, raising questions about whether it will be adequately resourced or could stall indefinitely

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

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