Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7625

Introduced
2/11/26  

Caption

Commencing January 1, 2027, mandates insurers provide health insurance coverage without cost-share requirements for vaccinations recommended by the DOH and mandates the coverage for the medical assistance program and managed care organizations.

Impact

With the implementation of H7625, various statutes pertaining to health and safety will be amended to include provisions for vaccination coverage. The bill will amend several sections of the Rhode Island General Laws, specifically within the chapters related to the Department of Health, medical assistance programs, and health insurance policies. By requiring insurance plans to cover vaccinations without cost-sharing, the legislation is expected to improve access to vaccines, particularly for vulnerable populations including elderly and low-income individuals who rely on Medicaid for healthcare services.

Summary

House Bill H7625 mandates that health insurance plans and managed care organizations in Rhode Island provide coverage for vaccinations recommended by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) without cost-sharing requirements. This legislation, set to take effect on January 1, 2027, aims to enhance public health by ensuring that individuals have access to necessary vaccinations, thus promoting broader immunization rates across the state. The bill reflects an effort to reduce financial barriers that may prevent individuals from receiving critical vaccinations.

Contention

While H7625 has received support from health advocates who see it as a vital step towards improving public health, some stakeholders express concerns about the financial implications for insurers and the potential for increased insurance premiums. The dialogue surrounding the bill centers on the balance between improving healthcare access and managing the costs associated with mandated benefits. Opponents also caution about the feasibility of implementing such broad coverage mandates within existing healthcare frameworks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5856

Prohibits any person mandating a COVID-19 vaccination without providing individual exemptions that allow a person to opt out of such mandate.

RI H5626

Mandates health insurance coverage for FDA approved contraceptive drug, device or therapeutic equivalent.

RI S0480

Mandates health insurance coverage for FDA approved contraceptive drug, device or therapeutic equivalent.

RI H5771

Mandates Medicaid coverage for fertility diagnostic care, standard fertility preservation services, and fertility treatment.

RI S0117

Sets controls on Medicaid prescription drug costs by imposing transparency and accountability requirements on managed care organizations (MCOs) and their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

RI H5463

Sets controls on Medicaid prescription drug costs by imposing transparency and accountability requirements on managed care organizations (MCOs) and their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

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 S0975

Provides medical assistance coverage for medical services provided qualifying eligible recipients for community based care.

RI S0013

Promotes transparency and accountability in the use of artificial intelligence by health insurers to manage coverage and claims.

RI H6047

Mandates all health insurance contracts from January 1, 2026, to cover FDA-approved contraceptives, sterilization, contraception counseling, follow-up services, and a twelve-month supply for Medicaid recipients.

Similar Bills

HI HB1898

Relating To Health.

HI SB3057

Relating To Health.

NJ SCR28

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OR SB5541

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OR HB5002

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OR SB5524

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OR SB5536

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OR HB5019

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