HI SR31

Urges the Department of Health to conduct a feasibility study on authorizing reimbursement for telehealth services provided through audio-only telephone communication.

Identifies barriers to telehealth access for Hawaii residents in rural and underprivileged communities who lack broadband coverage and elderly residents with limited digital literacy.

Notes that audio-only telehealth proved effective during the COVID-19 pandemic and that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services already authorizes such coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Directs the Department of Health to report to the Legislature with feasibility study results and any proposed legislation no later than twenty days before the 2024 Regular Session.

Emphasizes the importance of ensuring equitable access to telephonic telehealth services across all insurance types and expanding mental health service utilization.