Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has signed three healthcare-related bills into law, including a measure requiring health insurance plans to cover follow-up colonoscopies after a positive screening test with no out-of-pocket costs, according to a July 9 news release from the governor’s office. .
House Bill 1969, which takes effect January 1, 2027, also establishes a financial assistance program for uninsured and underinsured residents seeking colorectal cancer screenings and treatment. More than 800 Hawaii residents are diagnosed with colorectal cancer annually and more than 250 die from the disease each year.
Gov. Green also signed legislation requiring insurers to cover fertility preservation services for individuals undergoing medically necessary treatment that may cause infertility, effective for policies issued or renewed after December 31, 2026. A third measure establishes a Medical Debt Acquisition and Forgiveness Program that could eliminate outstanding medical debt for as many as 50,000 Hawaii residents, with relief totals reaching up to $91 million.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.