HI HB109

Requires all accident and health insurance policies issued or renewed in Hawaii to cover airfare and lodging for blind or disabled policyholders residing on neighbor islands who need medical care on Oahu that is not readily available on their home island.

Mandates coverage for airfare, lodging, and service time for a personal care attendant accompanying the policyholder if personal care assistance is needed during the trip for activities such as feeding, bathing, dressing, medicating, or toileting.

Requires insurers to reimburse all covered costs to both the policyholder and attendant, and applies the same requirements to hospital/medical service plans and health maintenance organizations.

Defines "blind" as visual acuity not exceeding 20/200 with corrective lenses or limited visual field, "disabled" as physical or mental impairment substantially limiting major life activities, and "attendant" as a person selected by the policyholder to provide personal care services.

Takes effect July 1, 2018, for all policies issued or renewed after that date.