Rep. Susan Donovan

Maddy summaryHB 5347 amends Rhode Island law to extend all extended benefits provided by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to children placed in guardianship, aligning them with the benefits already available to foster children. This change ensures children under legal guardianship receive the same post-care support services as those in foster care. The bill directly affects children in guardianship arrangements and their guardians across Rhode Island. It modifies Section 42-72-5 of the General Laws to include guardianship under DCYF's benefit provisions.

Removes the age restriction for benefits coverage/requires, after 1/1/26, for policies issued or renewed include coverage for reimbursement for provider services at a rate equal to, or greater than, Medicaid establishments of EOHHS.

Prohibits health insurance plans from requiring prior authorization for a new episode of rehabilitative care for twelve visits, or from requiring prior authorization for rehabilitative care for chronic pain for ninety days.

Limits the use by insurers of step therapy, a protocol that establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs for a specified medical condition are covered by an insurer, by allowing medical providers to request step therapy exceptions.

Includes the definition of "primary care services" and requires that all biennial reports shall include a review and recommendation of rates for primary care services on and after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5345 extends foster care support for youth aging out of state custody until age 21, primarily affecting young adults who were in foster care on their 18th birthday. The bill requires courts to develop transition plans at least six months before age 18, covering housing, health insurance, education, and employment support. Youth may voluntarily extend care until 21 if they are in school, training, employed (80+ hours monthly), or have documented medical needs preventing these activities. It also allows courts to retain jurisdiction for pandemic-impacted youth under federal funding requirements and for those with serious emotional or developmental needs. The law aims to provide stability during critical transition years while maintaining court oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 5172 requires health insurers in Rhode Island to be transparent and accountable when using artificial intelligence to manage coverage and claims. It mandates insurers to publicly disclose their AI algorithms and data, maintain records for five years, and notify enrollees when AI is used in coverage denials or reductions. Insurers must involve licensed healthcare professionals - not just AI - to review adverse decisions on medically necessary care and continuously monitor for discrimination or privacy violations. This law directly affects all Rhode Island health insurers and their enrollees by creating enforceable standards for AI use in claims management.

Creates the Rhode Island Social Media Regulation act, which would not permit a Rhode Island resident who is a minor to be an account holder on a social media's platform unless the minor has the express consent of a parent or guardian.

Limits copays, coinsurance or office deductibles for services of a physical therapist to the amount authorized for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath on or after January 1, 2026.

Mandates that EOHHS assemble a network of equity zones where local multisector groups of nonprofits, service providers, advocates, community members, state agencies, and municipalities can address social factors of health at a local level.