Healthcare

in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 572: RELATING TO GENERAL EXCISE TAX.

Exempts food and groceries from certain healthcare-related goods or services that were not the general excise tax. Expands general excise tax exemptions to include purchased under the Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE programs. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands tax exemptions for food and healthcare, providing relief for essential purchases, aligning with tax relief indicators for lower-income households.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands tax exemptions for Medicare/Medicaid/TRICARE purchases, reducing out-of-pocket costs for healthcare services and improving access to covered care.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 1043: RELATING TO TAXATION.

SB 1043 reduces the general excise tax rate on nonprescription drugs by 50%. This change directly affects consumers who purchase nonprescription medications, lowering their out-of-pocket costs. The bill's key provision is halving the existing tax rate, effective July 1, 3000. It does not alter other tax rates or create new government programs. The bill passed a committee recommendation with four supportive votes in February 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesReduces excise tax on nonprescription drugs, providing direct tax relief to consumers, aligning with support indicators for tax relief.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareReduces excise tax on nonprescription drugs, lowering consumer costs and improving access to essential healthcare services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 1499: RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

Expands the Department of Education's authority to allow more trained staff to volunteer to assist students with the administration of medication. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands Department of Education authority for student medication assistance, directly enhancing health and safety in schools as part of educational environment.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands authority for trained staff to assist students with medication administration, improving access to health services in schools per subjects listed.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 557: RELATING TO TELEHEALTH.

Extends the sunset date of Act 107, SLH 2023, which allows for the reimbursement of services provided through telehealth via an interactive telecommunications system, until 12/31/2026. (HD2)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExtends telehealth reimbursement until 2026, maintaining access to virtual healthcare services and supporting continued patient access to care.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExtends telehealth reimbursement via interactive telecom systems, maintaining funding for tech-enabled healthcare access without restrictions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

Track