STAND. COM. REP. NO.1238

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: S.C.R. No. 61

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 61 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A STUDY OF PROPOSED MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR HEARING AID DEVICES AND SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Auditor to conduct a study of proposed mandatory health insurance coverage for hearing aid devices and services.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Disability and Communication Access Board, Hawaii Early Intervention Coordinating Council, Hawaii Medical Service Association, Hawaii Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and an individual.

According to testimony, hearing loss is one of the most common congenital birth defects. Without appropriate intervention, children with hearing loss may not develop and maintain language and communication skills that are appropriate for their age and essential for success in school and later in life.

Section 23-51, Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires the Auditor to prepare and submit to the Legislature a report that assesses the social and financial effects of the proposed mandated coverage, before any legislative measure that mandates health insurance coverage can be considered.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 61 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing,

____________________________

RON MENOR, Chair