Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7945

Introduced

2/27/26

Refer

2/27/26

Caption

Provides that for treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, payors would rely upon criteria which reflect generally accepted standards of care when developing coverage.

Impact

The bill amends existing provisions to reflect that there should be no stricter qualitative and quantitative treatment limitations on mental health and substance use disorders than those applied to other medical conditions. By doing so, H7945 encourages insurance companies to adhere to generally accepted standards of care, which aligns healthcare policies with the latest practices in mental health treatment. This could potentially increase access to necessary treatment for individuals struggling with mental health or substance use issues, thereby aiming to improve overall public health outcomes.

Summary

House Bill H7945 seeks to enhance the insurance coverage for the treatment of mental health issues and substance use disorders by ensuring that such coverage is equivalent to other medical conditions. The proposed legislation mandates that both group health plans and individual health insurance plans provide financial coverage for mental health and substance use disorders without imposing annual or lifetime dollar limits. Furthermore, it aims to align the financial and treatment limitations of mental healthcare with those typical for physical health treatments, thereby standardizing care across both spectrums.

Contention

While the bill garners support from numerous mental health advocacy groups that advocate for greater parity in healthcare, there may be points of contention regarding the financial implications for insurers. Concerns have been raised that increased coverage requirements could lead to higher insurance premiums, affecting the affordability of insurance plans under these regulations. Opponents may claim that while well-intentioned, the bill could create an economic burden on the health system and lead to unintended consequences, such as reduced availability of some mental health services or a realignment in how insurance providers manage their portfolios.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0193

Amends the provisions for insurance coverage of mental health, mental illness, and substance use disorders.

RI H6061

Amends the provisions for insurance coverage of mental health, mental illness, and substance use disorders.

RI H5432

This act would prohibit health insurance providers from requiring preauthorization for in- network mental health or substance use disorder services.

RI S0054

Prohibits health insurance providers from requiring preauthorization for in- network mental health or substance use disorder 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 H6254

Authorizes office of health and human services (EOHHS) to establish coverage for obesity treatments, including medication. Office of health and human services would seek a 1115(a) waiver.

RI H5172

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

RI H5615

Revises sections of the uniform controlled substances act to remove specific opioid dosage requirements, revises the uniform controlled substances act in accordance with current standards of professional practice and would repeal chapter 37.4 of title 5.

RI S0473

Extends coverage for treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome by removing the sunset date of December 31, 2025, and mandating such coverage.

RI H5850

Requires every individual or group health insurance plan on or after January 1, 2026, that provides benefits to reimburse child service providers for therapy services offered through EOHHS certified Kids Connect/Therapeutic Services.

Similar Bills

NM HB152

Medically Assisted Treatment For Juveniles

NH HB751

Requiring licensure of outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities and relative to complaint investigation of treatment facilities by the department of health and human services office of the ombudsman and making an appropriation therefor.

PA SB691

Establishing the Nonnarcotic Medication Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program; in organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, providing for court assessments for substance use disorder treatment; in other criminal provisions, further providing for supervisory relationship to offenders; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for supervisory relationship to offenders.