Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8246

Introduced
3/6/26  

Caption

Mandates health insurance coverage by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for lung cancer screenings in order to enable patients to get the critical care they need without delay.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly impact the state's health insurance policies by obliging insurers to provide comprehensive coverage for lung cancer screenings without imposing deductibles or coinsurance on patients. The legislation is aimed at promoting public health by ensuring that financial barriers do not deter individuals from getting necessary screenings. By simplifying access to these essential health services, the bill aims to increase the rate of early diagnosis and ultimately enhance survival rates for lung cancer patients across the state.

Summary

House Bill 8246 is a legislative proposal aimed at mandating health insurance coverage for lung cancer screenings in the state of Rhode Island. The bill seeks to eliminate all out-of-pocket costs related to follow-up screening and diagnostic services for lung cancer for individuals covered under health plans delivered, issued, or renewed in the state after January 1, 2027. This initiative is based on the recognition that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Rhode Island and emphasizes the importance of early detection for improving patient outcomes and facilitating timely medical intervention.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 8246 may revolve around issues of cost to health insurers and the logistics of implementing such coverage requirements. Critics could argue that mandating such extensive coverage might lead to increased premiums for policyholders. Proponents, however, would likely counter that the long-term savings and health benefits of early detection justify the upfront costs. Additional discussions may also touch upon how this bill interfaces with existing health care laws and the extent of medical management or utilization review within the new coverage framework.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6158

Mandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling treatments for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatments.

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 S0707

Creates the Rhode Island Individual Market Affordability Act of 2024 to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in the health insurance coverage through the Rhode Island health benefits exchange.

RI H5996

Creates the Rhode Island Individual Market Affordability Act of 2024 to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in the health insurance coverage through the Rhode Island health benefits exchange.

RI S0103

Mandates all insurance contracts, plans or policies provide insurance coverage for the expense of diagnosing and treating infertility, for women between the ages of 25 and 42 years including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with IVF.

RI H5627

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

RI S0897

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

RI S0346

Establishes a single-payer health care insurance system, consolidating public and private payments into a more efficient Medicare-for-all style program, funded by progressive taxes, to reduce health care costs.

RI H5465

Establishes a single-payer health care insurance system, consolidating public and private payments into a more efficient Medicare-for-all style program, funded by progressive taxes, to reduce health care costs.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.