RELATING TO HEALTH CARE COSTS.
Sponsored By: Angus L.K. McKelvey (Democratic)
In Committee
Summary
Establishes the Prescription Drug Affordability Board within the Department of Health to conduct affordability reviews on high-cost prescription drugs and establish upper payment limits under certain circumstances. Establishes out-of-pocket maximums for prescribed insulin, asthma inhalers, and epinephrine auto-injectors. Prohibits copayment adjustment programs. Requires health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations to comply with certain affordability measures. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Requires adoption of rules by the Affordability Board and Insurance Commissioner. Appropriates funds.
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Angus L.K. McKelvey
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Stanley Chang
Democratic • Senate
Troy N. Hashimoto
Democratic • Senate
Michelle N. Kidani
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
The committee on HHS deferred the measure.
2/18/2026SenateThe committee on CPN deferred the measure.
2/18/2026SenateThe committee(s) on HHS/CPN deferred the measure until 02-18-26 10:06AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
2/17/2026SenateThe committee(s) on HHS/CPN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-17-26 9:45AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
2/13/2026SenateReferred to HHS/CPN, WAM/JDC.
1/30/2026SenatePassed First Reading.
1/26/2026SenateIntroduced.
1/23/2026Senate
Bill Text
Original
Related Bills
HB 2437, RELATING TO ARTS EDUCATION.
Appropriates funds to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts for the Artists in the Schools Program. Effective 1/1/3000. (SD1)
HB 2438, RELATING TO THE HAWAII CULTURAL TRUST.
Establishes the Hawaii Cultural Trust within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Establishes an income tax credit for contributions made to both the Hawaii Cultural Trust and at least one qualified Hawaii cultural organization, under certain conditions. Establishes a special number plate for motor vehicles to support the Hawaii Cultural Trust. Applies the income tax credit to taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026. Effective 7/1/3050. (SD1)
HB 2436, RELATING TO ARTS INTEGRATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Establishes within the Department of Education arts integration coordinator or specialist positions to support fine arts education and arts integration in public schools statewide. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
HB 2417, RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE LICENSE REVOCATION.
Clarifies administrative driver's license revocation procedures by specifying the effect of the notice of administrative revocation and conforming related administrative review and hearing provisions. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
HB 2418, RELATING TO EDUCATION.
Requires that the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board submit three nominees for its Executive Director to the Board of Education. Requires the Board of Education to appoint an Executive Director from the nominees on the list, subject to advice and consent of the Senate.
HB 2416, RELATING TO A MARITIME YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAY PROGRAM.
Directs the University of Hawaii Community College System, in partnership with state agencies and maritime employers, to conduct a study and develop a plan for a statewide Maritime Youth Apprenticeship Pathway Program for individuals ages 16 to 24. Requires a report to the Legislature with recommendations on program structure, resource needs, proposed legislation and implementation options. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD1)