This bill amends various sections of the General Laws to provide comprehensive coverage for diabetes treatment under health insurance policies in the state. It mandates that all individual or group health insurance contracts, plans, or policies that provide medical coverage must include coverage for essential diabetes equipment and supplies, such as insulin administration and glucose monitoring equipment and supplies, when prescribed by a physician.

Commencing January 1, 2026, the bill introduces a cap on out-of-pocket expenses for such equipment and supplies, set at no more than $25 per supply lasting 30 days, or per item when an item is intended to be used for longer than 30 days. The coverage for these items shall not be subject to any annual deductible. Additionally, if the application of the cap to a specific item of equipment or supply before a covered person has met their plan's deductible would result in health savings account ineligibility under 26 U.S.C. 223, then the cap would only apply to that specific item after the covered person has met their plan's deductible.

The bill also ensures that when the health insurance plan for employees of the State of Rhode Island is purchased or renewed, it will provide for the coverage of equipment and supplies for insulin administration and glucose monitoring, adhering to the same cap and deductible provisions.

Statutes affected:
5026: 27-18-38, 27-19-35, 27-20-30, 27-41-44