This bill introduces the Rhode Island Comprehensive Health Insurance Program (RICHIP), a universal single-payer health care insurance program designed to provide comprehensive, affordable coverage for all Rhode Island residents. The program aims to address the inefficiencies and high costs associated with the current multi-payer system by consolidating payments into a more efficient Medicare-for-all style program. The bill outlines the duties of the RICHIP director, the establishment of a RICHIP board, and the benefits package, which includes coverage for services deemed medically necessary and currently covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. It also includes provisions for provider reimbursement rates, the prohibition of private health insurers from selling duplicative coverage, and re-education and job placement for displaced employees.

The bill proposes a revenue model to finance RICHIP, emphasizing anticipated savings from a single-payer system and replacing regressive health insurance payments with progressive contributions. It amends current law to allow employers to pay part of an employee's share of payroll taxes, introduces a progressive contribution based on unearned income, and establishes a hospital licensing fee. The bill also includes provisions for Medicaid payment rates, the establishment of a Nursing Facility Incentive Program, and the expansion of Medicaid eligibility. It repeals certain sections of the General Laws and inserts new sections related to life estates, hospital incentive programs, and estate recovery. The bill requires assessments and reporting on social and human service programs, increases the tax rate for insurance companies, and authorizes the issuance of bonds for a capital development program. Finally, the bill proposes amendments to the Rhode Island Medicaid Reform Act of 2008, including extending the Medicaid section 1115 demonstration waiver, raising Medicaid rates, and expanding eligibility. The implementation of RICHIP is contingent upon obtaining necessary waivers and approval of the final financing proposal by the general assembly.

Statutes affected:
572: 23-17-38.1, 27-34.3-7, 27-66-24, 28-57-5, 36-12-2.1, 40-8.4-13, 42-12.3-14, 44-17-1, 44-51-3