Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7485

Introduced
2/4/26  

Caption

Provides coverage and increases individual and group insurance rates of reimbursement for ambulance services.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to significantly impact state laws governing emergency medical services and health insurance. By mandating that ground ambulance services receive reimbursements on par with Medicare rates, the bill could alleviate financial pressures on ambulance providers, enhancing their operational sustainability. This could lead to improved emergency medical services availability and potentially better health outcomes for residents needing urgent care. The inclusion of mobile integrated healthcare service models represents a shift towards a more integrated approach in addressing community health needs, particularly for individuals with recurring healthcare issues.

Summary

House Bill H7485 seeks to enhance coverage and reimbursement rates for ambulance services within Rhode Island. Specifically, it requires that individual and group health insurance contracts provide coverage and reimbursement for ground ambulance services equal to the rates set by Medicare. The act aims to implement these changes for policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2027. Additionally, it establishes a framework for a mobile integrated healthcare community paramedicine program to be managed by the Department of Health in collaboration with an ambulance service coordinating advisory board.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding H7485 may include discussions around its financial implications for health insurers and the potential for increased premiums to consumers to cover the enhanced reimbursement rates for ambulance services. Opponents might raise concerns about the overall cost of implementation and whether this bill might lead to unintended consequences, such as reduced choice for patients or higher out-of-pocket costs due to rising insurance premiums. Additionally, the requirement for compliance across various insurance providers could pose challenges in terms of enforcement and coordination between state agencies and insurance companies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0793

Increases individual, group, and Medicaid insurance rates of reimbursement for ambulance and wheelchair van services to be equal to reimbursement rates provided by Medicare for the same medical services.

RI H5772

Increases individual, group, and Medicaid insurance rates of reimbursement for ambulance and wheelchair van services to be equal to reimbursement rates provided by Medicare for the same medical services.

RI S0794

Authorizes emergency medical service agencies to transport individuals to alternative facilities for treatment and permits licensed providers for mental health disorders to treat patients within the community.

RI S0897

Requires health insurance providers to provide insurance coverage for pharmacists’ services.

RI H5627

Requires health insurance providers to provide insurance coverage for pharmacists’ services.

RI H5253

Removes the age restriction for benefits coverage and requires, for health insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, that coverage must include reimbursement for applied behavior analysis provider services.

RI H5989

Provides for a two-point three percent (2.3%) increase of provider reimbursement rates for intellectual and developmental disabilities commencing October 1, 2025.

RI S0684

Prohibits a policy of individual health insurance coverage from requiring prior authorization for prescriptions of generic medication.

RI H5624

Removes the age restriction for benefits coverage/requires, after 1/1/26, for policies issued or renewed include coverage for reimbursement for provider services at a rate equal to, or greater than, Medicaid establishments of EOHHS.

RI S0788

Removes the age restriction for benefits coverage/requires, after 1/1/26, for policies issued or renewed include coverage for reimbursement for provider services at a rate equal to, or greater than, Medicaid establishments of EOHHS.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.