S.R. No. 98 Summary

• Requests the State Auditor to conduct an impact assessment report on mandating health insurance coverage for ambulance services and community paramedicine services statewide rendered by emergency medical technicians or paramedics.

• Requires the assessment to comply with Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 23-51 and 23-52, including evaluation of social and financial effects, target groups, coverage extent, utilization limitations, and standards of care.

• Directs the Auditor to analyze the impact of federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act section 1311(d)(3) on the proposed mandate, including costs beyond essential health benefits.

• Requires the Auditor to determine the number of qualified health plans available in Hawaii, individual and group enrollment, and actuarial costs of state defrayment for ambulance and community paramedicine services.

• Auditor must submit the report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the 2024 Regular Session, with certified copies transmitted to the Insurance Commissioner to distribute to all state health insurers.