The bill amends the Rhode Island Health Care Reform Act of 2004 to enhance the powers and duties of the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner. It requires 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. If the budget does decline beyond this threshold, the increase will be suspended.

The bill also includes provisions for the two and three-tenths percent (2.3%) increase to be prorated relative to any adjustments recommended and/or enacted 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 and assessing alternative payment methodologies. The OHIC will conduct analyses related to social and human service programs, with findings reported to the General Assembly and the Governor, aiming to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in Rhode Island.

Statutes affected:
5989: 42-14.5-3