H.B. 1221 Summary

• Mandates that private and public health insurance plans recognize pharmacists licensed under chapter 461 as participating providers and cover services provided by participating registered pharmacists practicing within their scope of practice, effective January 1, 2024.

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 431 (accident and health insurance) and Chapter 432 (hospital and medical service plans) to require coverage for pharmacist services to the same extent as identical services rendered by other health care providers.

• Adds pharmacists to the list of health care professionals eligible for reimbursement under Hawaii's Medicaid program for services at federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics.

• Includes pharmacists in the definition of "health care provider" for purposes of telehealth services and Medicaid reimbursement under state law.

• Directs the Department of Human Services to apply for necessary amendments to the state Medicaid plan to implement pharmacist reimbursement provisions, with implementation contingent on federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approval.