Hawaii has passed legislation eliminating out-of-pocket costs for follow-up colonoscopies after a positive colorectal cancer screening test, aiming to remove a key barrier that often prevents patients from completing the screening process. The law, which takes effect in 2027, also creates a financial assistance program for uninsured and underinsured residents seeking colorectal cancer screening and treatment.
The state also approved broader healthcare measures, including fertility preservation coverage for patients undergoing treatments that may cause infertility and a medical debt forgiveness program expected to erase up to $91 million in debt for as many as 50,000 residents. Together, the policies reflect a growing focus on improving preventive care access while reducing the financial burden of healthcare.