HI HB1220

Amends the definition of "qualified plan" under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 435H-1 to require that all health benefit plans sold through Hawaii's Health Connector include pediatric dental benefits as mandated under the federal Affordable Care Act.

Addresses disparity between exchange and non-exchange markets where pediatric dental benefits are required to be embedded in base medical plans outside the exchange but were previously optional inside the exchange.

Establishes that requiring pediatric dental benefits in all exchange plans will spread risk across a larger population and prevent adverse selection that could drive up costs.

Responds to findings that tooth decay affects Hawaii children at twice the rate of mainland children, with less than 19 percent of local six-year-olds having cavity-free permanent teeth compared to over 94 percent on the mainland.

Takes effect upon approval.