Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7348

Introduced
1/28/26  

Caption

Mandates all health insurance contracts, plans, or policies provide the same reimbursement to independent healthcare facilities as that of hospital affiliated facilities where the same healthcare service is provided.

Impact

The implementation of H7348 is expected to significantly impact health insurance operations and the healthcare landscape in Rhode Island. By enforcing parity in reimbursement rates, the bill seeks to promote fair competition between independent healthcare providers and hospitals. This could enhance service availability by empowering independent facilities to sustain operations without being financially disadvantaged compared to larger hospitals. Ultimately, this may lead to increased patient choice and potentially lower healthcare costs due to enhanced competition.

Summary

House Bill H7348 proposes amendments to several chapters of the General Laws of Rhode Island focusing on 'Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies'. The bill mandates that all health insurance contracts, plans, and policies issued or renewed in the state provide equal reimbursement rates to independent healthcare facilities and hospital-affiliated facilities, provided that the same healthcare services are delivered. This aims to create a level playing field between independent healthcare providers and hospitals in terms of reimbursement from insurance companies.

Contention

Detractors may raise concerns regarding the financial implications for insurance companies and the adequacy of reimbursement rates. Some stakeholders argue that varying operational costs between independent facilities and hospital-affiliated services could complicate the enforcement of such parity. Additionally, the bill’s attention to imposing regulations on reimbursements may lead to pushback from insurers, who might contend that such mandates could adversely affect their financial models. The debate will likely revolve around the balance between equitable reimbursement for healthcare providers and the financial health of insurance systems.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5628

Mandates all health insurance contracts, plans, or policies provide the same reimbursement to independent healthcare facilities as that of hospital affiliated facilities where the same healthcare service is provided.

RI H5256

Provides for equal pay for healthcare providers.

RI S0567

Requires healthcare facilities that perform abortions meet the license requirements of similar healthcare facilities and allows the department of health to conduct unannounced inspections.

RI H5426

Requires the disclosure of the transfer of certain assets of healthcare facilities and provides penalties for failing to file healthcare facility ownership information.

RI S0789

Requires the disclosure of the transfer of certain assets of healthcare facilities and provides penalties for failing to file healthcare facility ownership information.

RI S0463

Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.

RI H5863

Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.

RI H5862

Requires insurance companies to prove that a healthcare service or procedure is not medically necessary.

RI H5987

Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

RI S0305

Establishes the right of a medical practitioner, healthcare institution, or healthcare payer not to participate in or pay for any medical procedure or service this violates their conscience.

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AR HB1299

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AR HB1301

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MA S1632

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