HI SR139

Requests that Hawaii's Medicaid programs provide coverage for ketamine therapy to treat depression in qualifying patients beginning January 1, 2024, with coverage percentage to be determined.

Requests that individual and group accident and health insurance policies issued or renewed in Hawaii on or after January 1, 2024, provide coverage for ketamine therapy to treat depression in qualifying patients.

Requests that hospital and medical service plan contracts issued or renewed in Hawaii on or after January 1, 2024, provide coverage for ketamine therapy to treat depression in qualifying patients, as determined by qualified psychiatrists or other mental health professionals.

Directs the Insurance Commissioner to distribute copies of this resolution to entities administering insurance policies and service plan contracts.

Notes that ketamine therapy has rapid antidepressant effects and is a valid treatment option for treatment-resistant depression according to medical literature.