The bill amends Section 42-11-13 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-11 to correctly reference Section 44-30-2.5, which pertains to the Rhode Island organ transplant fund. The fund will consist of all revenues received pursuant to this section. The act includes a technical amendment to ensure proper referencing of the law related to tax refund deductions for contributions to the fund. It is designed to assist Rhode Island residents and their families with expenses related to organ transplants, covering non-reimbursed costs such as medical care, prescribed drugs, and out-of-state living expenses for a limited duration. Disbursements from the fund will only occur once the principal reaches $15,000, and the fund is not an entitlement program, meaning it cannot incur a deficit. Additionally, the bill specifies that disbursements may assist organ transplant recipients in meeting their spend-down requirements for Medicaid, provided their income does not exceed $12,000 per year. The director of the Department of Human Services is tasked with creating rules and regulations for the fund's operation, in consultation with the general treasurer. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
688: 42-11-13