HI SB403

Establishes individual mandate requiring Hawaii taxpayers and dependents to maintain minimum essential health insurance coverage beginning January 1, 2018, with penalties ranging from $695 per year or 2.5% of household income above filing threshold; repeals June 30, 2021.

Creates premium tax credit for qualified taxpayers with household incomes up to a specified percentage of federal poverty guideline to offset costs of purchasing qualified health insurance coverage.

Requires all health insurance policies issued or renewed in Hawaii to include ten essential health care benefits: ambulatory services, emergency services, hospitalization, pregnancy/maternity care, mental health/substance abuse treatment, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services, laboratory services, preventive wellness care, and pediatric services including dental and vision.

Mandates all health insurers provide contraceptive coverage (including vasectomy for men) and breastfeeding support/equipment without cost-sharing, and extend dependent coverage to adult children until age 26.

Prohibits health insurers from excluding preexisting conditions, charging different premiums based on gender, and discriminating against health care providers acting within their scope of practice.