The Joint Resolution introduced by Representatives Bennett, Speakman, Cortvriend, Donovan, and Cruz seeks to amend the Medicaid Section 1115 demonstration waiver requests and renewals as part of the Rhode Island Medicaid Reform Act. The resolution outlines provisions for creating a more cost-effective and sustainable healthcare system in Rhode Island. It includes proposals for aligning nursing facility and hospital rate increases with anticipated state revenue growth, eliminating annual rate increases for home care services, and establishing an interprofessional consultation program in Medicaid.

Additionally, the resolution authorizes the executive office of health and human services to pursue federal financing opportunities and make directed payments to hospitals for inpatient and outpatient services. It requires legislative approval for these amendments and grants the secretary of the executive office of health and human services the authority to implement necessary changes to the Medicaid state plan and regulations. The total amount for hospital state-directed managed care payments is set at $396 million for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The resolution is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, pending approval by the General Assembly.