The bill amends Sections 27-18-25, 27-19-75, and 27-20-71 of the General Laws to enhance protections against unfair discrimination in health-benefit plans and healthcare services. It introduces new definitions for "health-benefit plan" and "healthcare entity," and explicitly prohibits discrimination based on actual or perceived characteristics such as race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sex characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, disability, height, weight, or any combination thereof.

The bill mandates that healthcare entities cannot deny, cancel, delay, limit, or refuse to issue or renew a health-benefit plan based on these characteristics. It also prohibits discriminatory marketing practices, benefit designs, and coverage limitations related to gender transition or other gender-affirming healthcare and reproductive health care. Additionally, it requires that healthcare entities provide coverage in the most integrated setting appropriate for individuals with disabilities.

Healthcare entities must inform enrollees of their nondiscrimination policies, including how to file grievances regarding discrimination. The bill establishes penalties for healthcare entities found to have violated any provisions of this section. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3107: 27-18-25, 27-19-75, 27-20-71, 27-41-88