The bill addresses the issue of mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment coverage by health insurers in Rhode Island. It is motivated by findings from a 2020 SAMHSA survey, which indicated that a significant portion of US adults suffer from mental illness and SUDs, but a majority do not receive the necessary care. The bill references the positive step taken by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) in August 2018, which eliminated the need for prior approval for in-network mental health or SUD services, and proposes that all health insurers in Rhode Island follow suit.

The bill amends Section 27-38.2-1 of the General Laws, which pertains to insurance coverage for mental health and SUDs. The amendments include the insertion of a new subsection (j) that prohibits health insurers in Rhode Island from requiring prior authorization for in-network mental health or SUD services. It also mandates the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner to create necessary rules and regulations, conduct oversight, and enforce actions, including imposing fines for non-compliance. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, aiming to ensure that Rhode Islanders with mental health and SUDs receive timely and medically necessary care without the barriers of prior authorization.

Statutes affected:
7624: 27-38.2-1