The 2022 Hawaii legislative session has recently adjourned. During the session, two insurance-related bills passed and are now pending with Hawaii Governor David Ige. The new legislation amends existing statutes (Haw. Rev. Stats 346-59.1 and 431:4A-101)  that are not within the everyday vernacular of coverage lawyers.

If passed, HB2112 would amend the provisions in the insurance code relating to bilateral agreements on insurance and reinsurance for consistency with the agreements between the U.S and the European Union, and the U.S. and the UK. The bill would also ensure that Hawaii's regulatory authority will remain intact and is not preempted by federal law.

Although not directly related to the property-casualty industry, HB1980 will still be relevant for everyone in the state with a health insurance policy. The bill modifies the existing Hawaii legislation regarding coverage for telehealth. Medicaid, health insurers, mutual benefit societies and health maintenance organizations are permitted, but not required, to cover telephonic behavioral health services under certain circumstances. The legislation further clarifies that telephonic services do not constitute telehealth.