What's Being Discussed
The State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) is holding a working group meeting focused on prior authorization — the process health insurers use to approve or deny coverage for certain medical treatments, medications, or services before they are provided.

Preparing an annual report to the state legislature on prior authorization practices in Hawaii
Reviewing eight key areas the working group has been studying, including clinical standards, reviewer qualifications, decision timeframes, long-term authorizations, and automation
Finalizing the format for the 2026 report
Exploring ways to simplify the prior authorization process in 2027, including a presentation on how Delaware has reformed its prior authorization system

Decisions Expected
No formal votes are listed, but the group is expected to:

Reach agreement on the content and format of its 2026 legislative report
Discuss potential simplification and automation reforms for prior authorization in 2027

Who Should Pay Attention

Patients who have experienced delays or denials of care due to prior authorization requirements
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers who regularly submit prior authorization requests
Health insurance companies operating in Hawaii
Hospitals and clinics affected by insurer approval processes
Anyone interested in health insurance reform in Hawaii

Public testimony is welcome. Written comments can be submitted by email to shpda@doh.hawaii.gov at least 48 hours before the meeting. Verbal testimony is allowed for three minutes per person on each agenda item.