HI SR25

Requests the State Auditor to study and assess the impact of medical bill review costs (including pharmacy benefit manager and third party administrator costs) on Hawaii's workers' compensation system.

Requires the Auditor to submit a preliminary report on study progress and findings to the Legislature by January 1, 2019.

Notes that medical bill review service fees may represent up to 50 percent of total per-claim handling fees and are often charged separately from fixed claim administration fees, making them difficult to track in cost comparisons.

Requests the State Health Planning and Development Agency to make its all-payer claims database available to assist the Auditor in compiling medical bill review cost data.

Directs certified copies to be transmitted to the Auditor, Director of Labor and Industrial Relations, Director of Human Resources Development, and State Health Planning and Development Agency Administrator.