STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 403-24
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2024
RE: H.B. No. 1686
H.D. 1
Honorable Scott K. Saiki
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Second State Legislature
Regular Session of 2024
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1686, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Turning Point Chiropractic; Hawaii State Chiropractic Association; Aloha Family Chiropractic; Dr. Jill Dawrs Family Chiropractic Clinic; Klein Natural; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Hawaii Insurers Council.
Your Committee finds that when the State initially established authorized benefits for chiropractic and acupuncture treatments in Act 251, Session Laws of Hawaii 1997, these benefits were limited to thirty visits at no more than $75 per visit. Your Committee further finds that while the State subsequently tied the authorized benefit for acupuncture treatments to the changes, and any subsequent increases in charges, permissible under the worker's compensation supplemental medical fee schedule in 2017, the authorized benefit allowed for chiropractic treatments was not similarly adjusted. This increase to the chiropractic reimbursement rate under motor vehicle insurance proposed by this measure will ensure fair and accessible health care and improve public health and wellness.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1686, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,
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____________________________ MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair |
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