The bill amends Section 35-17-1 of the General Laws, focusing on improving the accuracy of financial planning and budgeting for medical and public assistance caseloads. It requires the state budget officer, the house fiscal advisor, and the senate fiscal advisor to meet in open public meetings for caseload estimating conferences, with a rotating chairpersonship to prevent the same individual from presiding over two successive conferences on the same subject. State agencies must participate and provide monthly data on forecasted costs, actual caseloads, and expenditures. The bill also amends Section 42-14.5-3, detailing the responsibilities of the health insurance commissioner, including conducting public hearings, making recommendations, and establishing advisory councils to address health insurance concerns.

The bill mandates the creation of a workgroup to streamline healthcare administration, which will include representatives from various healthcare sectors. This group is tasked with submitting recommendations by June 30, 2024, focusing on standardizing electronic eligibility and coverage verification, among other processes. The bill also emphasizes the importance of transparency and communication between health plans, providers, and patients, and includes provisions to protect payors' rights to employ code edits for fraud detection. Additionally, the bill outlines the OHIC's responsibilities to report on various healthcare aspects, including anti-cancer medication coverage, compliance with the federal Mental Health Parity Act, and the impact of healthcare payment methodologies on health outcomes. It also requires detailed reporting on social and human service programs and mandates that the governor include recommended rates in the annual budget, with the general assembly providing adequate funding for necessary analyses, reports, and studies. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7591: 35-17-1, 42-14.5-3