The bill amends Sections 27-18-38, 27-19-35, and 27-20-30 of the General Laws to improve health insurance coverage for diabetes treatment. It mandates that all individual or group health insurance contracts must include coverage for essential diabetes equipment and supplies, such as blood glucose monitors, insulin, syringes, and therapeutic shoes, when prescribed by a physician. Additionally, the bill requires coverage for diabetes self-management education and medical nutrition therapy, including provisions for medically necessary visits and home visits. A key insertion in the law is the establishment of a cap on out-of-pocket expenses for diabetes-related supplies, limiting costs to $25 for a 30-day supply, effective January 1, 2026, and ensuring these costs are not subject to any annual deductible.

The legislation aims to enhance access to necessary diabetes care while alleviating financial burdens on patients. It specifically addresses the needs of individuals with insulin-treated diabetes, non-insulin treated diabetes, and gestational diabetes. The new legal language ensures that individuals will have immediate access to essential supplies without upfront costs, as no deductible will apply to these items. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, marking a significant step towards improving the affordability and accessibility of diabetes management resources.

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