STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2327

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 2319

       S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 2319 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require all insurers in the State, including health benefits plans under chapter 87A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and Medicaid managed care programs, to cover a:

 

     (1)  Three-month period for the first dispensing of prescription contraceptive supplies to an insured; and

 

     (2)  Twelve-month period for the subsequent dispensing of the same contraceptive supply to the insured.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women; Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Hawaii Section; American Association of University Women – Hawaii; Hawaii Public Health Association; Women's Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii; Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii; Hawaii Medical Association; Hawaii Women's Coalition; Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies; and six individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from CVS Health.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Department of Human Services, Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund Board of Trustees, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Hawaii Medical Service Association, League of Women Voters, and one individual.

 

     Your Committee finds that insurance companies typically cover a thirty- or ninety-day supply of prescription contraceptives.  However, these coverage requirements may act as a barrier for women, especially those who live in rural areas, frequently travel, are unable to schedule regular visits to health care providers, or are unable to readily pick up their prescriptions.  Your Committee further finds that providing a greater number of prescription contraceptive supplies at one time is associated with higher continuation rates, fewer pregnancy tests, fewer unplanned pregnancies, and decreased health care costs per woman.

 

     Your Committee has heard the concerns regarding the required dispensing of an initial three-month supply followed by a twelve-month supply of prescription contraceptives, as proposed by this measure.  According to testimony received by your Committee, there is a potential for waste with a mandatory three-month or twelve-month supply of contraceptive supplies, including if a patient experiences side effects or a medication is found to be less effective than previously thought.  Your Committee understands these concerns and notes that the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend prescribing or supplying up to one year of oral contraceptive supplies, based on a woman's preferences and anticipated use.

 

     Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Removing language that would have required insurers to cover a three-month period for the first dispensing of prescription contraceptive supplies to an insured;

 

     (2)  Clarifying that insurers are required to cover up to a twelve-month period of prescriptive contraceptive supplies for an insured; and

 

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2319, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2319, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

 

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

 

 

 

________________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair