The bill amends the General Laws 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, equipment, or physician office visits.

Starting January 1, 2025, the bill introduces a cap on out-of-pocket costs for diabetes equipment and supplies for insulin administration and glucose monitoring at no more than $25 per 30-day supply or per item intended for use beyond 30 days. This cap will not be subject to any annual deductible, except in cases where applying the cap before meeting the deductible would result in ineligibility for health savings accounts under federal law, in which case the cap applies only after the deductible is met. The same provisions apply to health insurance benefits for employees of the State of Rhode Island upon the next purchase or renewal of the health insurance plan. The bill does not specify any insertions or deletions from current law but aims to alleviate the financial burden on individuals with diabetes.

Statutes affected:
7364: 27-18-38, 27-19-35, 27-20-30, 27-41-44