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Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill

HB 1698: RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.

In committee Official data

  1. Introduced
  2. In committee
  3. Passed one chamber
  4. Passed both chambers
  5. Enacted

Last official action: ·Record last updated:

Plain-language summary

HB 1698 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii House on January 20, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE. Primary sponsor: Kirstin Kahaloa (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (January 26, 2026): Referred to HLT, CPC, JHA, referral sheet 1.

Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Requires health insurance carriers to honor a patient's written assignment of benefits to a substance use disorder treatment provider. Prohibits health insurance contracts from including anti-assignment clauses that restrict or invalidate a patient's right to assign benefits. Authorizes the Insurance Commissioner to adopt rules and take enforcement action to ensure compliance. Requires the Insurance Commissioner to publish an annual summary. Allows providers to bring civil actions to compel payment and obtain injunctive relief, damages, interest, and attorneys' fees for violations. Deems violations to be unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Requires insurers to furnish an explanation of benefits to the assigned provider upon request.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

NameRolePartyChamberDistrict
Kirstin KahaloaPrimary sponsorDemocraticHouse6

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

  1. Referred to HLT, CPC, JHA, referral sheet 1
  2. Introduced and Pass First Reading.
  3. Prefiled.

Sources

  1. Open States / Plural (data from the official legislature website)
  2. Official legislature source