Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR109

Introduced
3/16/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  
Engrossed
4/9/26  
Refer
4/10/26  

Caption

Urging The Insurance Commissioner To Study The Potential Benefits Of Expanding The Use Of Mail-order Pharmacy In The State.

Impact

Should the proposed study be conducted, it is expected to provide essential data-driven insights into how expanded use of mail-order pharmacy could enhance health outcomes for residents of Hawaii. The study aims to evaluate various factors, including the potential for cost reductions for consumers and insurers, increased access for vulnerable populations such as kupuna and individuals with disabilities, as well as safety and reliability measures in mail-order systems. This resolution could pave the way for enhancements in Hawaii's healthcare framework, particularly concerning accessibility and affordability.

Summary

SCR109 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the Hawaii State Legislature that urges the Insurance Commissioner to conduct a comprehensive study on the potential benefits of expanding mail-order pharmacy services in Hawaii. The resolution emphasizes the importance of ensuring that residents have access to safe, affordable, and reliable prescription medications to improve long-term health outcomes, particularly for individuals managing chronic conditions. It highlights the growing trend of mail-order services in improving patient adherence to medication regimens and reducing overall healthcare costs through increased convenience and efficiency.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SCR109 appears to be generally supportive, reflecting a recognition of the need for improved access to prescription medications, especially for those in remote or underserved areas. Proponents argue that mail-order pharmacy can alleviate challenges faced by residents, including long travel distances to pharmacies and complications arising from mobility issues. However, discussions may raise concerns about the impact on local pharmacies and potential changes to existing healthcare practices, indicating a nuanced debate around the bill's implications.

Contention

While SCR109 promotes the exploration of mail-order pharmacy, there may be notable points of contention regarding its implementation. Critics might express concerns over the effects on community pharmacy sustainability, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to ensure that traditional pharmacies remain viable. Additionally, there could be apprehension about the implications for consumer choice and the reliability of mail-order services, particularly in ensuring patients receive medications without disruption during emergencies or supply-chain issues. These aspects would need careful consideration in the study's outcomes.

Companion Bills

HI HCR59

Same As Urging The Insurance Commissioner To Study The Potential Benefits Of Expanding The Use Of Mail-order Pharmacy In The State.

HI SR102

Same As Urging The Insurance Commissioner To Study The Potential Benefits Of Expanding The Use Of Mail-order Pharmacy In The State.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR2

Requesting The Insurance Commissioner To Conduct A Statewide Study On Title Insurance.

HI SCR57

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Enact A National Reinsurance Program To Address The Multi-state Insurance Crisis Resulting From Catastrophic Natural Disasters.

HI HCR79

Requesting The Insurance Commissioner To Conduct A Statewide Study On Title Insurance.

HI SCR17

Requesting The Insurance Commissioner To Study The Impact Of Uninsured Motorists In Hawaii.

HI SR41

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Enact A National Reinsurance Program To Address The Multi-state Insurance Crisis Resulting From Catastrophic Natural Disasters.

HI SR53

Requesting The Administrator Of The State Health Planning And Development Agency To Convene A Pharmacy Benefit Manager Working Group To Determine The Best Policies To Reform Pharmacy Benefit Manager Practices In The State To Ensure Transparency And Fairness For Consumers And In The Pharmaceutical Sector, Lower Drug Costs For Patient Consumers, And Increase Access To Health Care.

HI SCR69

Requesting The Administrator Of The State Health Planning And Development Agency To Convene A Pharmacy Benefit Manager Working Group To Determine The Best Policies To Lower Drug Costs For Patient Consumers And Increase Access To Health Care.

HI SCR10

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.

HI SCR158

Urging The President Of The United States, And All Members Of Any Current And Future Administration, To Abide By The Laws Of The United States Of America, Including By Complying With Orders Issued By The United States Courts.

HI SCR70

Requesting The Director Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Establish And Convene A Pharmacy Reimbursement Working Group To Explore And Propose Legislation For The 2026 Legislative Session.

Similar Bills

KS HB2551

Enacting the Kansas pharmacy services administrative organization act.

AR SB593

To Amend The Arkansas Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act; And To Create The Pharmacy Services Administrative Organization Act.

MS HB558

Pharmacy services; prohibit insurers and PBMs from requiring persons to obtain exclusively through pharmacies that they own.

MS HB1125

Pharmacy services; prohibit insurers and PBMs from requiring persons to obtain exclusively through pharmacies that they own.

NJ S2345

"Patient and Provider Protection Act."

AR SB475

To Establish The Pharmacy Services Administrative Organization Act; And To Regulate Pharmacy Services Administrative Organizations.

AZ HB2429

Pharmacy benefits; pharmacy management networks

AZ HB2813

pharmacy benefits; workers' compensation