The bill establishes the Rhode Island Comprehensive Health Insurance Program (RICHIP) as a universal, comprehensive, and affordable single-payer health insurance system designed to provide coverage to all residents of Rhode Island. It emphasizes that healthcare is a human right and aims to address the shortcomings of the current multi-payer system, which has resulted in many residents being uninsured or underinsured.

RICHIP will be managed as an independent state government agency overseen by a board composed of nine members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. The program will be funded by consolidating existing government and private payments into a more efficient system, replacing traditional health insurance premiums, co-pays, and deductibles with a progressive tax structure.

The bill outlines a phased implementation approach, beginning with the creation of a state-owned health insurance company that will be exempt from reserve requirements and will eventually integrate with federal programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. The director of RICHIP will be responsible for daily management, including the establishment of standardized claims procedures, oversight of the RICHIP trust fund, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

Additionally, the bill introduces significant amendments to existing laws, including the establishment of a RICHIP trust fund to ensure fiscal stability and the implementation of a progressive tax system to replace traditional health insurance payments. It mandates the director to develop procedures for determining eligibility, enrollment, disenrollment, and disqualification from RICHIP, as well as procedures for handling complaints and appeals.

The bill also includes provisions for enhancing Medicaid policies, expanding eligibility, and improving healthcare delivery systems, while emphasizing transparency and accountability in the management of healthcare funds. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline healthcare financing and improve access to quality healthcare for all Rhode Island residents.

Statutes affected:
2573: 27-34.3-7, 27-66-24, 28-57-5, 40-8.4-13, 42-12.3-14, 44-17-1