HB1744 • 2026

RELATING TO NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE.

Healthcare

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor: GARCIA, HUSSEY, IWAMOTO, MATSUMOTO, MURAOKA, REYES ODA, SHIMIZU
Last action: 2026-01-26
Official status: Referred to HSH/HLT, FIN, referral sheet 1
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on cost implications or patient eligibility for naturopathic services post-amendment.

Including Naturopathic Medicine in Hawaii's Medicaid

This bill requires the Department of Human Services to amend Hawaii's Medicaid State Plan by September 1, 2026, to include naturopathic medicine.

What This Bill Does

Requires the Department of Human Services to update Hawaii’s Medicaid plan to include naturopathic medicine.
Allows patients to choose a licensed naturopathic doctor as their primary care provider.
Ensures that naturopathic services are paid for at rates similar to those for regular medical services.

Who It Names or Affects

People covered by Hawaii’s Medicaid program
Naturopathic doctors licensed in Hawaii

Terms To Know

Medicaid State Plan: A plan that outlines the rules and services for people who get health care through Medicaid.
Naturopathic Medicine: A type of medical practice that focuses on natural remedies and prevention to help the body heal itself.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify how much it will cost or where the money will come from.
It is unclear if all Medicaid patients will have access to naturopathic services after this change.

Bill History

2026-01-26 H
Referred to HSH/HLT, FIN, referral sheet 1
2026-01-22 H
Introduced and Pass First Reading.
2026-01-21 H
Pending introduction.

Official Summary Text

RELATING TO NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE.
DHS; Med-QUEST; Medicaid State Plan; Naturopathic Medicine
Requires the Department of Human Services to amend the Hawaii Medicaid State Plan or request approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for an amendment under the Medicaid State Plan to include naturopathic medicine.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

HB1744

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1744

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to NATUROPATHIC medicine
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

����
SECTION
1.
�
(a)
�

No later September 1, 2026, The department of human services shall:

����
(1)
�
Amend the Hawaii medicaid state plan; or

����
(2)
�
Request approval from the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services for an amendment under the medicaid state plan,

to include coverage for naturopathic medicine under
chapter 455, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

����
(b)
�
The amendments shall:

����
(1)
�
Authorize patients to select a naturopathic
physician licensed under chapter 455, Hawaii Revised Statutes to serve as the
patient's primary care provider;

����
(2)
�
Ensure that the appropriate medical fee
schedule shall reimburse naturopathic medical services at rates and under terms
comparable to reimbursements for the practice of medicine under chapter 453,
Hawaii Revised Statutes, including services for evaluation, diagnosis,
treatment, preventive care, and the ongoing management of patient health
consistent with existing primary care standards; and

����
(3)
�
Include additional conforming amendments to
eligibility, provider participation, and reimbursement provisions, if
applicable.

����
SECTION 2.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

DHS;
Med-QUEST; Medicaid State Plan; Naturopathic Medicine

Description:

Requires
the Department of Human Services to amend the Hawaii Medicaid State Plan or request
approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for an amendment
under the Medicaid State Plan to include naturopathic medicine.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.