Sen. Melissa Murray

Maddy summarySB 267 strengthens protections for Rhode Island residents seeking Medicare supplement ("Medigap") insurance. It requires insurers to offer Plan A policies without medical underwriting to applicants aged 65+ or under 65 with disability/end-stage renal disease who are eligible for Medicare, and guarantees issue rights during annual enrollment periods. The bill prohibits exclusions for pre-existing conditions beyond six months and bans duplicating Medicare benefits, while establishing community-rated premiums and standardized policy terms. It also mandates the Health Insurance Commissioner to enforce these rules and monitor insurer compliance, with penalties for violations. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 167 ensures that individuals under age 65 enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B (including those with disabilities or end-stage renal disease) and all Medicare beneficiaries over 65 have a guaranteed right to enroll in standardized Medicare Supplement Plan A during an annual one-month enrollment period. The bill prohibits insurers from using medical underwriting or conditioning coverage on health status for these enrollments. It requires the Health Insurance Commissioner to establish the annual enrollment period and mandates that insurers offer Plan A without exclusions for preexisting conditions. This policy directly affects Medicare beneficiaries seeking supplemental coverage, guaranteeing access to standardized Plan A without health-based barriers.

Repeals 42-56-38.1 and requires the DOC to provide free communication services to inmates and juveniles held in residential placement or detention centers and requires that those facilities provide in-person contact visits.

Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.

Maddy summarySB 915 eliminates the $25 fee (comprising a $20 service charge and $5 transfer fee) that Rhode Island National Guard members currently pay to obtain or renew special "National Guard" vehicle plates. It directly affects active and retired members of the Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard certified by the adjutant general. The bill does not change plate design, eligibility criteria, or emergency travel privileges for National Guard members. It would make these plates free for eligible members once enacted.

Requires the producer of artificial turf and turf infill sold or distributed in Rhode Island to report its chain of custody, from installation to use, repurposing, recycling and disposal.

Maddy summarySB 645, the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024, prohibits the sale of most consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) starting in 2027, with additional bans on artificial turf and outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions taking effect in 2029. The bill exempts products containing PFAS that are authorized by the FDA for food contact, such as certain cookware, and requires clear labeling for products containing PFAS. It also exempts unavoidable trace amounts of PFAS in cosmetics due to manufacturing processes. This law applies to manufacturers, sellers, and distributors of affected products within the state.

Maddy summarySB 683 expands collaborative pharmacy practice by allowing non-physician healthcare providers (such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants) to enter into formal agreements with pharmacists to manage patient drug therapy. These agreements, which must be submitted to the board of pharmacy for record-keeping without requiring approval, will enable pharmacists and non-physician providers to jointly review medication regimens, adjust treatments, and perform limited clinical tests like blood glucose monitoring. The agreements must be reviewed and renewed annually, with significant changes requiring re-submission. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Includes the COVID-19 immunization under the consent and reporting provisions required for pharmacy administered immunizations to individuals between nine (9) and eighteen (18) years of age.

Establishes the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program for the importation of wholesale prescription drugs from Canada, to provide savings to Rhode Island consumers.