The bill amends the General Laws in Chapter 27-18, specifically Section 27-18-38, to require that individual or group health insurance contracts, plans, or policies include coverage for diabetes treatment equipment and supplies, such as blood glucose monitors, test strips, insulin, and other related items. It also mandates coverage for diabetes self-management education and medical nutrition therapy, with limitations on the number of medically necessary visits. The bill allows for co-payments and deductibles for these benefits, but they cannot exceed those imposed for other supplies or physician office visits. Additionally, the bill introduces a new subsection (d) effective January 1, 2025, which caps the out-of-pocket cost for diabetes equipment and supplies at no more than $25 per 30-day supply or per item intended for use beyond 30 days, not subject to any annual deductible, unless such a cap would affect health savings account eligibility under federal law.

The bill ensures that coverage for diabetes equipment and supplies is provided upon the approval of new or improved items by the Food and Drug Administration, as long as they are medically appropriate and prescribed by a physician. The $25 cap on out-of-pocket costs for diabetes equipment and supplies is designed to alleviate financial burdens on individuals with diabetes, and it applies to health insurance plans for employees of the State of Rhode Island upon the next purchase or renewal by the director of administration. The act will take effect upon passage, with the coverage provisions beginning on January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
2082: 27-18-38, 27-19-35, 27-20-30, 27-41-44