This bill amends several sections of the General Laws related to accident and sickness insurance policies, nonprofit hospital service corporations, nonprofit medical service corporations, and health maintenance organizations. It establishes that no health insurance contract issued or renewed in Rhode Island on or after January 1, 2026, can impose a co-payment for ground ambulance services exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00). Additionally, it clarifies that ground ambulance services are those provided by licensed ambulance services in Rhode Island, excluding air and water ambulance services. The bill also specifies that certain types of insurance coverage, such as hospital confinement indemnity and long-term care, are exempt from these provisions.

Furthermore, starting January 1, 2026, the bill mandates that individual and group health insurance contracts, as well as Medicaid reimbursement rates for ambulance services, must be equal to the reimbursement rates provided by Medicare for the same medical services. The definition of "ambulance" is included, describing it as any publicly or privately owned vehicle designed, constructed, equipped, and operated for emergency medical treatment and/or transportation of persons who are sick or injured. This legislative change aims to ensure that ambulance services are adequately reimbursed, aligning with Medicare rates to improve access to emergency medical care.

Statutes affected:
793: 27-18-69, 27-19-60, 27-20-55, 27-41-73