The bill amends Section 42-14.5-3 of the Rhode Island Health Care Reform Act of 2004, enhancing the responsibilities of the health insurance commissioner. It requires the commissioner to conduct a comprehensive review of existing health insurance benefit mandates, including an analysis of their impact on premium costs, every five (5) years, commencing on July 1, 2026. The commissioner must provide a report with findings and recommendations to the governor, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house no later than January 1, 2027, and every five (5) years thereafter.

Additionally, the bill establishes a consumer/business/labor/medical advisory council to address concerns in the small business health insurance market and mandates the formation of a workgroup to streamline healthcare administration processes, focusing on electronic eligibility verification and claims processing. The bill also ensures the continuation of the health insurance commissioner's administrative simplification task force, which aims to improve the prior authorization process. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7745: 42-14.5-3