Committee backs resolution to study effects of mandatory continuous glucose monitor coverage

The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services voted to pass HCR 171 with amendments, asking the auditor to assess the social and financial effects of proposed mandatory health-insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).

Representatives of the State Health Planning and Development Agency expressed strong support for expanding CGM use among insulin-dependent patients and encouraged voluntary insurer action while acknowledging the resolution’s limited scope. The Hawaii Medical Association and several kidney-care and dialysis providers also registered support.

Dr. Lewin (State Health Planning and Development Agency) said expanding CGM use would benefit patients who need automated alerts for dangerously high or low blood sugar. “Patients who are on insulin really these days need these kinds of devices to notify them when the blood sugar is too low or too high,” Dr. Lewin said in testimony to the committee.

The committee’s action requests a formal auditor assessment of social and financial impacts rather than mandating coverage. The chair recommended passage with amendments to correct statutory descriptions in the draft; the committee adopted the recommendation.