The bill amends Section 42-14.5-3 of the Rhode Island General Laws to expand the responsibilities of the health insurance commissioner. Key insertions include the requirement for the commissioner to conduct quarterly public meetings to discuss health insurers' rates, services, and operations, as well as to establish a consumer/business/labor/medical advisory council aimed at developing proposals for affordable small business health insurance. The advisory council will also create a complaint process for small businesses facing rate increases and assess the health provider community's views on insurance reimbursement rates. The commissioner is tasked with enforcing provisions of relevant titles, analyzing the Rhode Island affordable health plan reinsurance fund, and studying the impacts of changes in the health insurance markets.

Additionally, the bill introduces measures to streamline healthcare administration processes, enhance the prior authorization process for medical services and prescription drugs, and ensure transparency in communication between health plans and providers. It mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization technology and requires the health insurance commissioner to report on various healthcare topics, including anti-cancer medication coverage and compliance with the Mental Health Parity Act. The bill also includes provisions for biennial assessments of social and human service programs, with specific deadlines for reporting findings to legislative leaders and the governor. Furthermore, it proposes a 2.3% increase in provider reimbursement rates for intellectual and developmental disabilities, contingent upon the state’s Medicaid budget stability.