(a) Any other law to the contrary notwithstanding, commencing on January 1, 2000, all mutual benefit societies issuing or renewing an individual and group hospital or medical service plan, policy, contract, or agreement in this State that provides for payment of or reimbursement for hospice care shall reimburse hospice care services for each insured member covered for hospice care according to the following:

Terms Used In Hawaii Revised Statutes 432:1-608

  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Member: means an individual who is covered by a mutual benefit society. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 432:1-406
(1) A minimum daily rate as set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for hospice care;
(2) Reimbursement for residential hospice room and board expenses directly related to the hospice care being provided; and
(3) Reimbursement for each hospice referral visit during which a patient is advised of hospice care options, regardless of whether the referred patient is eventually admitted to hospice care.
(b) Every insurer shall provide notice to its members regarding the coverage required by this section. Notice shall be in writing and in literature or correspondence sent to members, beginning with calendar year 2000, along with any other mailing to members, but in no case later than July 1, 2000.