The bill amends Section 42-14.5-3 of the Rhode Island Health Care Reform Act of 2004, enhancing the powers and duties of the health insurance commissioner. It requires the commissioner to submit a report to the General Assembly by June 30, 2024, and a report focusing on prescription drug prior authorizations by January 1, 2026. The reports shall include recommendations the commissioner may implement, along with supporting rationale.

The bill also establishes a workgroup that must comply with the commissioner's requests for information and documents within timelines set by the commissioner, who has the authority to take necessary enforcement actions to implement this section. The workgroup is tasked with considering and making recommendations for various health insurance-related issues.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes transparency and accountability in health care delivery, requiring the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) to produce reports on anti-cancer medication, mental health parity compliance, and social and human service programs. It directs the OHIC to assess eligibility standards, service offerings, and reimbursement rates for these programs, while also working towards integrating behavioral health care with physical health care. The act aims to ensure that health insurance coverage for behavioral health is equivalent to other health care services, ultimately improving access and quality of care in Rhode Island. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5433: 42-14.5-3