HI HCR177

Requests the State Auditor to assess the social and financial effects of mandating health insurance coverage for tobacco use cessation treatments under HB (unspecified bill number) from the 2013 Regular Session.

Coverage mandate would require all individual and group health insurance policies to provide tobacco use cessation treatment with no copayment, deductible, or coinsurance restrictions.

Auditor to conduct impact assessment pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 23-51 and 23-52, evaluating costs, benefits, and effects on employers and employees.

Auditor must submit findings, recommendations, and any necessary implementing legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2014 Regular Session convenes.

Insurance Commissioner directed to transmit certified copies of the resolution to all health insurers operating in Hawaii.