HI SCR44

Requests the State Auditor to conduct a sunrise review assessing the social and financial effects of H.B. No. 1705, H.D. 1, which would mandate health insurance coverage for medical procedures to treat port-wine stains.

Requires insurers, hospital and medical services plans, and health maintenance organizations to cover procedures that eliminate or provide maximum feasible treatment of port-wine stains, which are vascular birthmarks affecting 3-5 cases per 1,000 newborns.

Port-wine stains can cause emotional and social problems when visible on the face or neck, and may develop complications including tissue thickening, bleeding, disfigurement, glaucoma, and vision loss if left untreated.

Auditor must submit findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2019 Regular Session convening.

Concurrent resolution is required under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 23-51 before any legislative measure mandating health insurance coverage can be considered.