HI SR66

Requests the Legislative Reference Bureau conduct a study on authorizing collective negotiation between physicians and health insurers in Hawaii to address monopsonistic market power of insurers.

Documents Hawaii's physician shortage crisis, with an estimated 820-physician deficit statewide, a 65% increase in the supply-demand gap since 2010, and shortfalls ranging from 16% on Oahu to 44% on Hawaii island.

Identifies Hawaii's highly concentrated health insurance market (one insurer controlling 67% of market share, another 21%) as the third least competitive in the nation and a barrier to physician recruitment and retention due to low compensation.

Directs study of Alaska's 2009 statute permitting physician collective negotiation, the Parker Immunity Doctrine that exempts state actions from federal antitrust laws, and implementation by other states.

Requires Legislative Reference Bureau to report findings and recommended legislation to the 2021 Regular Session, including analysis of impacts on Hawaii's Prepaid Health Care Act exemption from federal ERISA requirements.