THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	279
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature recognizes that the State has a duty to protect and improve the health and environment of the people. The legislature finds a number of state residents suffer from depression. The legislature also finds that according to an article published in Current Neuropharmacology, the use of ketamine is a valid antidepressant option for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression and has rapid antidepressant effects.

The purpose of this Act is to require medicaid and insurance coverage of ketamine therapy.

SECTION 2. Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§346- Coverage of ketamine therapy. Beginning on January 1, 2024, the State's medicaid programs shall provide coverage for per cent of the costs of ketamine therapy to treat depression in qualifying patients, as determined by qualified psychiatrists or other mental health professionals."

SECTION 3. Chapter 431, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I of article 10A to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§431:10A- Coverage of ketamine therapy. Each individual or group accident and health or sickness insurance policy issued or renewed in this State on or after January 1, 2024, shall provide to the policyholder and individuals covered under the policy coverage for per cent of the costs of ketamine therapy to treat depression in qualifying patients, as determined by qualified psychiatrists or other mental health professionals."

SECTION 4. Chapter 432, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part VI of article I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§432:1- Coverage of ketamine therapy. Each hospital or medical service plan contract issued or renewed in this State on or after January 1, 2024, shall provide to the member and individuals covered under the plan contract coverage for per cent of the costs of ketamine therapy to treat depression in qualifying patients, as determined by qualified psychiatrists or other mental health professionals."

SECTION 5. Section 432D-23, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§432D-23 Required provisions and benefits. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, each policy, contract, plan, or agreement issued in the State after January 1, 1995, by health maintenance organizations pursuant to this chapter, shall include benefits provided in sections 431:10-212, 431:10A-115, 431:10A-115.5, 431:10A-116, 431:10A‑116.2, 431:10A-116.5, 431:10A-116.6, 431:10A-119, 431:10A-120, 431:10A-121, 431:10A-122, 431:10A-125, 431:10A-126, 431:10A-132, 431:10A-133, 431:10A-134, 431:10A-140, and [431:10A-134,] 431:10A- , and chapter 431M."

SECTION 6. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for costs arising from the coverage of ketamine therapy required or authorized under section 2 of this Act.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 7. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Health; Insurance; Medicaid; Ketamine Therapy; Appropriations

Description:

Requires medicaid and insurance coverage of ketamine therapy to treat depression. Appropriates moneys for costs resulting from medicaid coverage ketamine therapy.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.