Sen. Bridget Valverde

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Defending Affordable Prescription Drug Costs Act, aims to protect pharmacies that participate in the federal 340B drug discount program from unfair treatment by insurance companies and drug manufacturers. It prohibits health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers from charging these pharmacies lower reimbursement rates, imposing extra fees, or creating different contract terms compared to other pharmacies. Additionally, the law prevents pharmaceutical manufacturers from stopping or interfering with these pharmacies from receiving discounted drugs. Any violations of these rules are treated as deceptive trade practices, though the bill does not allow for private lawsuits by individuals.

Requires executive office of health and human services to establish an early childhood mental health hub program focused on improving access to infant and early childhood mental health services for children under age 6 and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Rhode Island New Qualified Jobs Incentive Act 2015, sets a final end date for tax rate reductions provided under the state's Jobs Development Act. Specifically, it mandates that no new tax credits will be reserved for companies after June 30, 2024, and all existing rate reductions must stop by July 1, 2024. While the bill stops future incentives, it allows companies that qualified for these tax breaks before July 1, 2015, to keep their current rates as long as they continue to meet the original requirements. Essentially, the legislation ensures that the special tax benefits for job creation in Rhode Island will not extend beyond the year 2024.

Phases in modifications to federal adjusted gross income over a 4 year period for social security income, from 25% up to 100%, beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Authorizes emergency medical service agencies to transport individuals to alternative facilities for treatment and permits licensed providers for mental health disorders to treat patients within the community.

Requires the secretary of the executive office of health and human services to present to the general assembly a plan for the realignment of state hospitals into a department of hospitals no later than September 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a price cap for prescription drugs purchased by the state, public health plans, and private ERISA plans that choose to join the program. It requires these entities to pay no more than a specific "maximum fair price" set by the federal government for certain drugs, while still allowing pharmacies to charge a separate fee for dispensing the medication. Participating organizations must report any money saved from these lower prices to the insurance commissioner and use those funds to reduce costs for their members or promote health equity. The law also mandates that drug sellers maintain a local office in Rhode Island and authorizes the attorney general to impose fines on anyone who violates the pricing rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance plans to cover mobile response and stabilization services for children and youth up to 18 years old experiencing acute mental health crises. These services involve rapid on-site assessment and early intervention for issues such as aggression, self-injury, trauma, suicidal thoughts, and severe family conflict. The legislation mandates that these mobile services be treated the same as other behavioral health treatments regarding coverage, regardless of how they are billed. Insurance providers offering accident and sickness, nonprofit hospital, nonprofit medical service, or health maintenance organization plans must include this coverage starting January 1, 2025.

Requires insurance coverage for all community health workers' services to include health and promotion coaching, health education and training, health system navigation and resource coordination services, care planning and follow-up care recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Rhode Island Drug Cost Review Commission to address rising prescription drug prices by treating them similarly to regulated utilities. The new commission will consist of five appointed members and a thirteen-member advisory board representing patients, doctors, insurers, and other stakeholders. Manufacturers must notify the commission if they plan to increase drug prices by more than ten percent or introduce new drugs costing over thirty thousand dollars annually, triggering a public review process. During these reviews, the commission will analyze costs and vote on whether to set price limits for payers, with decisions made publicly by a simple majority vote.