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 establishes a 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%) commencing on 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. The increase will be prorated relative to any adjustments made through the rate review process outlined in the bill.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the ongoing responsibilities of the Office of Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) in monitoring compliance with mental health parity laws, assessing alternative payment methodologies, and reporting on hospital payment variations. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5989: 42-14.5-3