Amends Rhode Island’s existing healthcare services funding plan act by adding an account relating to a new psychiatry resource network to fund Rhode Island’s present PediPRN and MomsPRN.
Maddy summaryHB 5529 aims to expand eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs, which assist low-income seniors and people with disabilities with their Medicare costs. It raises the income limit for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program to 138% of the federal poverty line, allowing more individuals to receive state assistance for Medicare Part A and B premiums and cost-sharing. Additionally, the bill establishes a "Qualified Individual" category for those with incomes between 138% and 186% of the federal poverty line, for whom the state would cover Medicare Part B premiums, contingent on full federal funding. This expansion seeks to improve access to medical services and enhance financial security for eligible Medicare enrollees.
Maddy summaryHB 5771, known as "The Rhode Island Medicaid Reform Act of 2008," mandates that the state's Medicaid program provide coverage for fertility diagnostic care, standard fertility preservation services, and fertility treatment. Beginning January 1, 2026, this includes services like medically necessary ovulation-enhancing drugs (up to three cycles), intrauterine insemination, and in-vitro fertilization under specific medical circumstances. The bill also requires that coverage be provided without discrimination based on various personal characteristics. Additionally, it directs the department to report to the general assembly by January 1, 2026, on the medical necessity and funding of in-vitro fertilization under federal law.
Increases individual, group, and Medicaid insurance rates of reimbursement for ambulance and wheelchair van services to be equal to reimbursement rates provided by Medicare for the same medical services.
Provides $4,000,000 to support comprehensive and effective afterschool, school vacation, summer learning and workforce development programs for students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12).
Allows an individual school district that can utilize its own buses or vendors at a lower cost than the statewide system, to obtain reimbursement for these costs from state funds.
Maddy summaryHB 5194 seeks to provide property tax relief to elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes. The bill increases the maximum income threshold for eligibility for property tax credits to $50,000. It also raises the maximum available tax credit to $850 for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Furthermore, the bill introduces annual adjustments to both the income range and the maximum credit based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U).
Commences July 1, 2025, this act would eliminate the provision of this section that requires new applicants for employment under this section to pay the expense for their criminal background checks.
Maddy summaryHB 5496 proposes changes to the licensing and disciplinary processes for nurses, directly affecting licensed nurses, practical nurses, and the Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education. The bill alters the composition of the Board of Nursing by adjusting the number of professional and practical nurse members and extending term limits. It expands the Board's powers to include requiring licensees to undergo physical or psychiatric examinations if impairment is suspected, and referring them to non-disciplinary alternative programs. Additionally, it updates language regarding practical nurse qualifications and license renewal notices.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5488, "The School Libraries Act," mandates that every public school in the state establish and maintain a dedicated school library. It requires these libraries to include essential elements such as adequate book collections, study space, technology, and a budget for materials. The bill also stipulates that all public schools must employ certified school librarians, with staffing levels varying based on student population and a phased implementation schedule extending through the 2030-2031 school year. Furthermore, it ensures students have daily access to their school library resources, including extended hours for secondary schools.
