SB 2562 requires health insurers to pay an additional $30 million annually starting in 2026 to fund telehealth services, specifically including the PediPRN (pediatric) and MomsPRN (maternal) teleconsultation lines. This funding is added to existing healthcare contributions and deposited into a dedicated "PRN account" managed by the Department of Health. The bill directly affects health insurers (through new fees) and benefits Rhode Island residents seeking timely mental health support for children, mothers, and perinatal patients. The funds will support statewide psychiatric consultation services for primary care providers, expanding behavioral health capacity without altering current insurance coverage.
Provides that for treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, payors would rely upon criteria which reflect generally accepted standards of care when developing coverage.
SB 2567 establishes a universal single-payer healthcare system called "RICare" for all Rhode Island residents, replacing the current multi-insurer model with a publicly administered system funded through state taxes. It aims to guarantee universal access to primary and preventive care while reducing administrative costs and medical debt by consolidating payments into one system. Key provisions include creating a RICare Board, defining healthcare terms, and requiring coordination with state agencies to implement the system after securing federal approval. The bill is currently in early stages (introduced February 2026, referred to Senate Health Committee) and does not specify funding details or timelines for full implementation.
Requires health insurers to comply with federal mental health parity laws, prevent discriminatory treatment limits, and ensures meaningful mental health and substance use coverage in all benefit classifications.
Provides conditions under which BHDDH has the authority to compel certain healthcare providers to finish requested healthcare records without violating The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
HB 7365 proposes a voluntary portable benefit plan for independent contractors, allowing them to access benefits like health insurance or retirement savings that stay with them across different jobs. The bill establishes that contributions to this plan cannot be used to determine employment classification (e.g., employee vs. independent contractor) or affect employer liability for workers' compensation. Key provisions require the plan to be offered through regulated insurance or employment security programs, ensuring benefits remain tied to the individual, not any specific employer. This applies directly to independent contractors and hiring parties who choose to participate, with no mandatory participation for either party. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not create new benefits but enables existing systems to operate portably.
HB 7276 prohibits insurance companies from requiring copays, deductibles, or other cost-sharing for specific breast examinations. It directly affects individuals with health insurance who need diagnostic exams (to evaluate breast abnormalities) or supplemental exams (for high-risk screening based on medical history). The law requires all group and individual health insurance plans to cover these exams without out-of-pocket costs. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.
SB 2386 requires health insurance plans in the state to cover specific pharmacist services starting January 1, 2027. It mandates coverage for services like medication therapy management, immunizations, and medication administration - services that would be covered if provided by physicians - without requiring supervision or referrals from other providers. Insurance plans must include pharmacists in their medical provider networks (distinct from pharmacy drug benefit networks) and cover these services even outside the network when no local provider is available. The law expires on January 1, 2031, unless extended by the legislature. This directly affects insurers, pharmacists, and patients seeking these covered services.
Requires health insurance policies to cover licensed certified lactation counselor services for childbearing families. It would also prohibit requiring supervision or duplicate payments for services and mandates annual reporting.
SB 2034 requires all health insurance plans sold in the state to cover at least one type of buprenorphine (used for opioid use disorder treatment) without any copayment or deductible for every 12-month plan year. It applies directly to insured individuals in the state who use these insurance plans, starting January 1, 2027. The bill mandates that plans provide this coverage for all forms of buprenorphine administration, eliminating out-of-pocket costs for this medication. Plans may still apply deductibles for health savings account (HSA) pairs, but early implementation before 2027 is permitted.
