The bill amends Section 42-14.5-3 of the Rhode Island Health Care Reform Act of 2004, expanding the responsibilities of the health insurance commissioner. Key provisions include the requirement for the General Assembly to appropriate adequate funding to ensure that provider reimbursement rates for services related to intellectual and developmental disabilities are increased by two and three-tenths percent (2.3%) effective October 1, 2025. This increase is contingent upon the state's overall Medicaid budget not declining by more than twenty percent (20%) from fiscal year 2025 to fiscal year 2026. If the budget does decline beyond this threshold, the increase will be suspended.

The bill also outlines that the 2.3% increase shall be prorated relative to any increase or decrease recommended and/or enacted via the rate review process. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the ongoing responsibilities of the Office of Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) in monitoring compliance with mental health parity laws and assessing alternative payment methodologies. The OHIC is tasked with conducting comprehensive analyses and reports on social and human service programs, ensuring that providers are adequately compensated, and improving access to care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Statutes affected:
5989: 42-14.5-3