The bill aims to enhance early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities in Rhode Island by allowing children whose third birthday falls between May 1 and August 31 to continue receiving these services until September 1 following their third birthday. The Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is tasked with developing and implementing a plan to ensure continuity of services and minimize gaps as children transition to early childhood special education. This plan will include seeking any necessary federal approvals and forming an implementation advisory committee that includes representatives from early intervention provider agencies, local education agencies, and parents of children who have received early intervention services.

Additionally, the bill requires private health insurers to cover the extended early intervention services for children who are older than three and are certified as eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The coverage will not be subject to deductibles or lifetime maximums, and a benefit limit of $5,000 per dependent child per policy or calendar year is established for these services. Insurers are also mandated to reimburse certified early intervention providers at rates equal to or greater than the prevailing state Medicaid rates. The bill is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7627: 23-13-22, 27-18-64, 27-19-55, 27-20-50, 27-41-68