URGING THE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF EXPANDING THE USE OF MAIL-ORDER PHARMACY IN THE STATE.

HR55

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

55

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

urging the insurance commissioner to study the potential
benefits of expanding the use of mail-order pharmacy in the state
.

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WHEREAS, ensuring
that Hawaii residents have access to safe, affordable, and reliable
prescription medications is essential to improving long-term health outcomes;
and

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WHEREAS, mail-order
pharmacy services have become an increasingly valuable tool nationwide for
helping patients manage chronic conditions, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and
maintain steady and convenient access to maintenance medications; and

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WHEREAS, numerous
studies have shown that mail-order pharmacy can improve patient medication
adherence, particularly for individuals who receive ninety-day supplies of
medication, resulting in better disease management and reduced emergency room
visits and hospitalizations; and

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WHEREAS, mail-order
pharmacy may expand access for residents of the State living in rural
communities or areas with limited pharmacy options, reducing the need for long
commutes, transportation barriers, and the need to take time off from work; and

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WHEREAS, the
convenience of home delivery is especially valuable for kupuna, individuals
with disabilities or mobility limitations, caregivers, and individuals managing
multiple long-term medications; and

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WHEREAS, mail-order
pharmacy services may reduce overall health care costs through economies of
scale, automated dispensing technology, improved inventory management, and
reduced dispensing fees; and

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WHEREAS, the
expanded use of mail-order pharmacy may help strengthen the State's health care
resilience by providing additional options for continuity of care during
emergencies, natural disasters, or other supply-chain disruptions; and

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WHEREAS, modern
mail-order and specialty pharmacies maintain advanced systems for temperature
control, secure packaging, and delivery tracking that can support the safe
shipment of a wide range of medications, including biologics and specialty
drugs; and

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WHEREAS, a
comprehensive study by the Insurance Commissioner would provide the Legislature
with data-driven insight into how the expanded use of mail-order pharmacy could
benefit residents of the State, improve health outcomes, and enhance systemwide
efficiency; now, therefore,

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BE IT
RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the
State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the Insurance Commissioner is
urged to study the potential benefits of expanding the use of mail-order
pharmacy in the State; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the study is urged to examine, at a minimum:

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(1)
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The effect of mail-order pharmacy on patient medication
adherence and the management of chronic disease;

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(2)
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Potential cost savings for consumers,
insurers, and the health care system as a whole;

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(3)
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The ability of mail-order pharmacy to improve
access for kupuna, rural residents, and individuals with disabilities or limited
mobility;

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(4)
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The reliability and safety of existing
mail-order shipping, tracking, and temperature-control systems;

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(5)
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Opportunities to use mail-order pharmacy to
strengthen access to health care during emergencies, supply-chain disruptions,
and periods of high demand; and

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(6)
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Options to ensure that patients who prefer
mail-order pharmacy can readily select this option as part of their
prescription benefits; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Insurance Commissioner is requested to submit a report of the
Insurance Commissioner's findings and recommendations, including any proposed
legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the
convening of the Regular Session of 2027; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Insurance Commissioner.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
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Mail-Order
Pharmacy; Study; Insurance Commissioner