The bill amends Section 42-14.5-3 of the Rhode Island Health Care Reform Act of 2004, expanding 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 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 years thereafter.

Additionally, the bill establishes a consumer/business/labor/medical advisory council to address concerns and improve the affordability of small business health insurance. It mandates the creation of a workgroup to streamline healthcare administration processes and develop guidelines for electronic eligibility verification and prior authorization requirements. This workgroup will consist of representatives from various healthcare sectors and will report its findings to the health insurance commissioner and the general assembly. The bill emphasizes the ongoing work of the health insurance commissioner's administrative simplification task force and aims to enhance oversight and transparency in health insurance practices in Rhode Island.

Statutes affected:
2884: 42-14.5-3