Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Social And Financial Assessment Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Native Hawaiian Healing And Cultural Practices Offered Through Federally Qualified Health Centers.
Impact
Currently, only two health insurance providers voluntarily cover Native Hawaiian healing practices, creating a gap in accessibility for those who seek these culturally significant health services. By assessing the potential for mandatory coverage, the resolution seeks to evaluate how such a legislative change could affect the wider community, particularly in enhancing the availability and acceptance of these practices within the formal healthcare system.
Summary
HCR185 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-Third Legislature of Hawaii that requests the Auditor to conduct a social and financial assessment regarding the proposed mandate for health insurance coverage of Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practices through federally qualified health centers. This resolution acknowledges the existence of these practices in the state and their importance in conjunction with western healthcare services, aiming to provide a holistic approach to patient health and healing.
Contention
One notable aspect of HCR185 is the requirement stipulated by Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 23-51 and 23-52 that necessitates an auditor's assessment before any legislative measure mandating health insurance coverage can be considered. This provision ensures that the social and financial impacts are thoroughly evaluated, which may lead to discussions about cultural representation in healthcare and the financial implications for both the state and health insurance providers if mandatory coverage is instituted.
Recognizing Hawaiian Council For 25 Years Of Dedicated Service, Impactful Leadership, And Steadfast Advocacy On Behalf Of The Native Hawaiian Community.