The bill aims to enhance health coverage stability for infants and young children in Rhode Island by amending existing laws related to health care for children. It changes the title of Chapter 42-12.3 from "Health Care for Children and Pregnant Women" to "ACT TO STABILIZE HEALTH COVERAGE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN," reflecting a focus on continuous eligibility for young children. The bill introduces a new section, 42-12.3-17, which establishes that individuals up to age three who are enrolled in RIte Track/RIte Care will qualify for continuous eligibility until the end of the month in which they turn three. This continuous coverage will only end under specific circumstances, such as moving out of state or a request for termination by a parent or guardian.

The legislation addresses the issue of "churn," where children lose their health coverage due to administrative barriers during yearly eligibility redetermination, which can lead to gaps in necessary health care services. By ensuring continuous eligibility, the bill aims to promote timely access to preventive and emergency care, thereby supporting healthy development and addressing health disparities among low-income children. The executive office of health and human services is tasked with seeking necessary amendments to the Rhode Island Medicaid Section 1115 waiver to implement this continuous eligibility provision. The act will take effect upon passage.