The bill amends the Rhode Island Health Care Reform Act of 2004 to enhance the powers and duties of the health insurance commissioner. Key provisions include the requirement for 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 report shall include recommendations the commissioner may implement, along with supporting rationale.

Additionally, the bill establishes a workgroup that will consider and make recommendations for various health insurance issues, with members required to comply with the commissioner's requests for information and documents within specified timelines. The commissioner is granted authority to take necessary enforcement actions to implement this section.

The bill also enhances oversight and reporting requirements related to health insurance and social services. It mandates the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) to produce reports on electronic access to claims information and an annual anti-cancer medication report, while monitoring compliance with the federal Mental Health Parity Act and assessing alternative payment methodologies. A comprehensive analysis of social and human service programs is required, focusing on eligibility factors, service offerings, and reimbursement rates, to be completed by January 1, 2023. The act emphasizes collaboration with other state agencies to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder treatments, ensuring transparency and accountability in health insurance and social service delivery, with findings reported to the General Assembly and the public. The bill will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5433: 42-14.5-3