[§431M-5.5]  Parity treatment for alcohol ordrug dependency.  [Section repealed June 30, 2011.  L 2004, c 44, §33.] Unless greater benefits are required by this chapter for alcohol and substanceservices and benefits, services and benefits provided by health insurance planssubject to section 431M-2 for drug and alcohol dependency shall be equal to andco-extensive with health insurance coverage for physical disease andillnesses.  Nothing in this section shall require the health insurance plan toprovide residential treatment benefits except as it may provide for physicaldisease and illnesses and in accordance with an approved treatment plan by thehealth plan provider. [L 2004, c 44, §16]

 

Note

 

  L 2004, c 44, §§17 and 18 provide:

  "SECTION 17.  Section 16 [section 431M-5.5] shall beexempt from the impact assessment report by the auditor under section 23-51,Hawaii Revised Statutes.  The legislature finds that an emergency situationexists in the state that demands an immediate legislative response, and thatthe slight financial impact of a rise in premiums is likely to be incalculable(Auditor Report No. 88-6).

  SECTION 18. The treatment of drug and alcohol dependencyprovided under medical plans participating in QUEST and the fee for servicesprogram administered by the department of human services shall be equal to andco-extensive with QUEST and fee for services program coverage for physicaldisease and illnesses.  Nothing in this section shall require QUEST and the feefor services program to provide residential treatment benefits except as it mayprovide for physical disease and illnesses."