HB 7697 exempts prescribed scalp hair prosthetics and wigs from sales tax when medically necessary to treat hair loss from a health condition. This directly affects individuals with medical conditions like alopecia or cancer treatment side effects who require these items. The bill amends tax code sections to explicitly include "prosthetic devices" (defined as items necessary for medical treatment) under existing sales tax exemptions, alongside items like durable medical equipment. The policy change applies only to sales tax on qualifying products purchased by consumers.
SB 2660 creates a state-level tick control program under the Department of Environmental Management to manage tick populations and reduce public health risks. The program would be implemented by the Department to address tick-borne illnesses, directly affecting residents in areas with significant tick activity. Key provisions include establishing guidelines for tick surveillance, prevention strategies, and public education efforts, though specific methods or funding details are not outlined in the abstract. The bill is currently in the early stages, having been introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Environment and Agriculture committee.
HB 7943 prohibits health insurers from requiring preauthorization for in-network mental health or substance use disorder services, directly affecting insured patients seeking these treatments within their plan's network. The bill mandates that coverage for mental health and substance use disorders must meet the same terms as medical care, eliminating annual/lifetime dollar limits and ensuring cost-sharing parity with primary care visits. Key provisions include banning non-quantitative treatment restrictions that are stricter than those for medical conditions and requiring insurers to use American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria for substance use disorder coverage. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies specifically to in-network services as defined in the bill.
Allows the office of health insurance commissioner (OHIC) as the state agency that has the authority to designate patient-centered medical home (PCMH) care to obtain maximal health outcomes.
Appropriates two million seven hundred thousand dollars ($2,700,000) to fund the primary care training sites program to provide training for physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants within the department of health.
SB 2694 prevents state fees for home modifications required to accommodate a veteran's disability, directly benefiting disabled veterans needing accessibility changes. The bill amends the state building code to prohibit local governments or agencies from charging fees for these specific modifications, such as installing ramps or grab bars. It applies to modifications mandated by a veteran's disability, ensuring no additional costs for essential accessibility improvements. The bill was introduced in February 2026 and referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government committee, with no further action taken yet.
SB 2444 exempts scalp hair prosthetics or wigs necessary due to medical hair loss from state sales tax. This directly affects individuals with medical conditions requiring such prosthetics, making them more affordable. The bill amends the sales tax code to explicitly include "prosthetic devices" under tax-exempt medical items, aligning with existing exemptions for similar durable medical equipment. The change creates a clear policy update to reduce financial burden for this specific medical need.
Establishes "The Children's Cardiac Safety Act", and provide for childhood cardiac screening based on modules that incorporate current best practices.
Prohibits pharmacy benefits managers from refusing to provide coverage for a prescription drug chosen for a patient by the patient’s healthcare provider.
HB 7485 increases reimbursement rates for ambulance services under both individual and group health insurance plans. It creates a Mobile Integrated Healthcare Community Paramedicine Program administered by the Department of Health, allowing approved ambulance services to provide community-based healthcare. The bill requires all out-of-network ambulance services participating in the program to follow state and federal rules prohibiting surprise medical billing. This directly affects ambulance service agencies, health insurers, and patients receiving emergency transportation services in Rhode Island.
