Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8139

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

Provides the state would cover dialysis for the treatment of end stage renal disease ("ESRD") and kidney transplants for persons who do not qualify for full Medicaid due to their immigration status.

Impact

This legislation represents a significant change in state policy by addressing the healthcare disparities faced by undocumented residents and others who are legally present but ineligible for full Medicaid. Under the provisions of H8139, patients suffering from ESRD would receive coverage that includes both outpatient and inpatient dialysis treatments, as well as kidney transplants, which can be life-saving. This move is expected to have positive health outcomes for those affected, by reducing emergency health crises that arise when individuals delay treatment due to lack of insurance.

Summary

House Bill H8139 aims to expand healthcare access for Rhode Island residents by providing coverage for dialysis treatment related to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and kidney transplants for individuals who do not qualify for full Medicaid due to their immigration status. The bill mandates that the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) offer coverage through Emergency Medicaid for these necessary medical treatments, thereby ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to critical healthcare services, even if they are undocumented or have not met the five-year residency requirement for Medicaid benefits.

Contention

While the bill is likely to receive support from healthcare advocates and humanitarian groups, it could spark contention regarding the allocation of state resources and the implications for taxpayers. Since it specifically targets individuals based on immigration status, critics might argue it could incentivize illegal immigration or strain the state Medicaid program. Proponents, nonetheless, argue that the bill addresses urgent health needs and aligns with the principle of providing care to all residents, regardless of their immigration status.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 S0975

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

RI S0333

Requires EOHHS to establish a 1-year pilot program for nutritional assistance and medically tailored meals, groceries and produce for peoples with diet-related diseases or food insecurity, and other interventions where there is a clinical need.

RI H5775

Requires EOHHS to establish a 1-year pilot program for nutritional assistance and medically tailored meals, groceries and produce for peoples with diet-related diseases or food insecurity, and other interventions where there is a clinical need.

RI H5120

Provides an insurer would not impose prior authorization requirements for any service ordered by an in-network primary care provider.

RI S0053

Provides an insurer would not impose prior authorization requirements for any service ordered by an in-network primary care provider.

RI S0168

Provides an insurer would not impose prior authorization requirements for any service ordered by an in-network primary care provider.

RI S0829

Provides temporary caregivers benefits to any eligible bone marrow transplant donor or living organ donor and would provide definitions for both

RI S0696

Authorizes an increase in resource eligibility limits for persons with long-term-care needs who reside at home and requires semi-annual reports from Medicaid certified assisted living facilities and adult day service providers to the EOHHS.

RI H6074

Authorizes an increase in resource eligibility limits for persons with long-term-care needs who reside at home and requires semi-annual reports from Medicaid certified assisted living facilities and adult day service providers to the EOHHS.

Similar Bills

OH SB386

Enact the Medicaid Savings Act

OH HB780

Enact the Medicaid Savings Act

OH HB130

Regards Medicaid Estate Recovery Program notification requirement

HI SR116

Urging The Governor To Determine A Course Of Action For The State, Should The Federal Government Cut Funding For Medicaid.

HI HCR187

Urging The Governor To Determine A Course Of Action For The State, Should The Federal Government Cut Funding For Medicaid.

HI HR180

Urging The Governor To Determine A Course Of Action For The State, Should The Federal Government Cut Funding For Medicaid.

HI SCR144

Urging The Governor To Determine A Course Of Action For The State, Should The Federal Government Cut Funding For Medicaid.

MS HB1565

Medicaid; seek federal waiver to provide for presumptive eligibility for persons who need mental health or substance use disorder services.