The bill proposes the establishment of the Rhode Island Comprehensive Health Insurance Program (RICHIP), a single-payer healthcare system designed to provide universal, comprehensive, and affordable coverage to Rhode Island residents. It criticizes the current multi-payer system for its inefficiencies and lack of universal coverage, highlighting the impact of systemic racism and the COVID-19 pandemic on health insurance problems. The bill aims to replace higher health insurance premiums, co-pays, deductibles, and costs exceeding caps with lower progressive taxes, and it includes definitions to clarify the scope and application of the program.

The bill outlines the responsibilities of the RICHIP director and the formation of a RICHIP board, detailing the coverage provided by RICHIP, including primary and preventive care, emergency services, mental health services, and comprehensive family planning. It also addresses provider reimbursement, billing, and restrictions, prohibiting for-profit providers from charging more than RICHIP reimbursement rates. The bill introduces provisions for the establishment and financing of the RICHIP trust fund, ensuring that funds are used exclusively for the program. It also includes amendments to the Rhode Island Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association Act, the Insurance Conversions Act, and other laws to align with the goals of RICHIP, including increasing the accrual of paid sick and safe leave time and updating Medicaid eligibility and estate recovery regulations.

Statutes affected:
8242: 27-34.3-7, 27-66-24, 28-57-5, 40-8.4-13, 42-12.3-14, 44-17-1, 44-51-3