The bill amends the General Laws in Chapter 27-18.5, which pertains to individual health insurance coverage, by ensuring guaranteed availability of coverage without preexisting condition exclusions. It requires all health insurance carriers in the state to offer all approved plans to any eligible applicant, defined as a resident of the state, and removes the previous requirement for individuals to have had continuous coverage for at least twelve months. The bill also mandates that carriers offer all policy forms of coverage to eligible applicants, potentially with reduced cost sharing based on federal or state programs, and updates terminology from "director" to "commissioner." Carriers may deny coverage if they lack financial reserves, but not based on health status, and they are not allowed to offer coverage in a service area for 180 days after denying coverage there.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions to ensure coverage for essential health benefits and preventive services without cost sharing, even if federal requirements are repealed or invalidated. It grants the health insurance commissioner the authority to issue guidance on preventive services, following updates from the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce or other expert panels. The bill also requires the commissioner to report to the general assembly on the impact of any federal changes to essential health benefits or preventive services, and to make recommendations for consumer protections and the stability of the Rhode Island insurance market. The act will take effect upon passage and emphasizes the importance of maintaining essential health benefits and preventive services coverage.

Statutes affected:
5426  SUB A: 27-50-11
5426: 27-50-11, 27-18-73, 27-19-63, 27-20-59, 27-41-76