HI HCR49

Request 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.

Medical bill review service fees may represent up to 50 percent of total per claim handling fees and are often charged outside of contracted fixed claim administration fees, making them difficult to track in cost comparisons.

Require the Auditor to complete the study by November 30, 2019, and submit findings to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2020 Regular Session convenes.

Direct certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Auditor, Director of Labor and Industrial Relations, and Director of Human Resources Development.

Emphasize that high medical bill review costs reduce funds available for injured workers and that transparency and understanding of fee structures are necessary to control workers' compensation system costs.