Panel advances bill to standardize coverage for continuous glucose monitors

Clinicians and advocates testified that continuous glucose monitors are an accepted standard of care for many insulin‑dependent diabetics and that coverage across plans varies. Dr. Jacqueline described a case in which a patient—Gail O’Gowan—was initially denied a CGM and died before she could receive the device; she framed consistent coverage as a standard-of-care and patient-safety issue.

The Department of Human Services and community foundations supported the measure; the Hawaii Association of Health Plans (Rachel Wilkinson) and HMSA urged caution, saying the state auditor found plans already often cover CGMs when medically necessary and noting that CGMs are not part of Hawaii’s essential health benefits. Insurers warned that if the state mandates a benefit outside federal EHBs, the state could face extra cost-sharing or federal exposure and asked for deferral or technical revisions; they also suggested limiting mandatory coverage to medically necessary, prescribed cases.

The committee moved SB3045 forward with amendments to clarify medical-necessity criteria and technical edits; insurers and advocates will continue discussions on scope and supply-chain concerns.

Sources: Testimony from Dr. Jacqueline (SHIPDA/health advocates), Rachel Wilkinson (Hawaii Association of Health Plans), HMSA, community advocates.