The bill amends the Rhode Island Health Care Reform Act of 2004, specifically enhancing the powers and duties of the health insurance commissioner. Key provisions include the requirement for the enacted annual state budget for fiscal year 2027 to include an additional one hundred seventeen million six hundred thousand dollars ($117,600,000), with forty-six million four hundred thousand dollars ($46,400,000) coming from general revenues. This funding is designated to support a rate increase recommended by the office of the health insurance commissioner as part of a required rate review completed in September 2025.

The bill also emphasizes the need for ongoing analyses and reports to ensure adequate health insurance coverage, particularly for mental health and substance use disorder treatment, and the integration of behavioral health care with other medical services. Additionally, it outlines the commissioner's responsibilities in monitoring compliance with mental health parity laws, assessing alternative payment methodologies, and improving the prior authorization process for medical services. The bill establishes a framework for annual and biannual reporting on various healthcare metrics to enhance transparency and accountability in healthcare delivery.

Statutes affected:
8183: 42-14.5-3