Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8404

Introduced
4/3/26  

Caption

Establishes a fund to support children’s community-based providers’ infrastructure changes necessary and related to the state’s Medicaid transformation initiative.

Impact

The bill appropriates $5 million for fiscal year 2027 for this purpose, creating a fund administered by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). Eligible organizations will receive funding to bolster their capabilities by upgrading data systems, improving workforce training, and enhancing compliance systems in preparation for the Medicaid changes. An annual report is mandated to assess the outcomes and effectiveness of the fund's expenditures.

Summary

House Bill H8404, known as the Children's Medicaid Transformation Infrastructure Fund Act, aims to establish a dedicated fund to support community-based providers serving children in Rhode Island. As the state gears up for a significant Medicaid transformation initiative scheduled to begin in 2027, this bill addresses the need for enhanced infrastructure among service providers. It recognizes that many organizations lack the necessary administrative, technological, and workforce capabilities to meet upcoming standards for care coordination and service integration.

Contention

While the intent behind H8404 is largely seen as positive for improving service delivery for children, there are discussions regarding the allocation of funds and prioritization of eligible entities. The bill emphasizes support for organizations serving high-need populations, which reflects a commitment to equity; however, questions arise about the accessibility of these funds to all community-based providers. Ensuring that smaller or less-established organizations can compete for and utilize these funds effectively could be a point of contention as implementation begins.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5779

Requires oil spill responsible fee from 5 cents to 10 cents. Funds to support climate change initiatives.

RI S0584

Establishes a restricted receipt account at the DLT for hospitality industry workforce training grants, funded by an annual $50 dollar fee to be charged by RIDOH to food service establishments.

RI H5942

Establishes a restricted receipt account at the DLT for hospitality industry workforce training grants, funded by an annual $50 dollar fee to be charged by RIDOH to food service establishments.

RI S0171

Allows the executive office of health and human services to use appropriated funds to support graduate medical education programs and research.

RI H6046

Requires reimbursement for medical, dental, and behavioral health services provided at community health care centers to equal the lesser of the actual cost, based on Medicaid reports, or 125% of the median rate for all community health centers within RI.

RI S0896

Requires reimbursement for medical, dental, and behavioral health services provided at community health care centers to equal the lesser of the actual cost, based on Medicaid reports, or 125% of the median rate for all community health centers within RI.

RI H6003

Provides for increases or decreases in the amount of foundation level school support that a community would receive, based upon a community's ability to meet and surpass its minimum low- and moderate-income housing requirements.

RI H5169

Establishes, encourages and supports the establishment of family councils and resident councils in managed residential communities providing assisted living services.

RI S0484

Establishes, encourages and supports the establishment of family councils and resident councils in managed residential communities providing assisted living services.

RI S0677

Changes annual reporting requirements for the state’s family home-visiting program and also impacts appropriation and spending of funds in order to access maximum federal funding for these programs.

Similar Bills

IN SB0001

Human services matters.

AK HJR32

Rural Health Transformation Program

OH HB772

Establish the Rural Health Transformation Program

AK SJR27

Rural Health Transformation Program

MS SB2477

Rural Health Transformation Fund monies; require certain recipients of to be subject to competitive bidding process.

IA HF2743

A bill for an act creating the Iowa rural health transformation fund and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 2468, HSB 619.)

KS HB2463

Creating the rural health transformation fund, prescribing powers and duties of the state finance council concerning such fund and the rural health transformation program, crediting all federal moneys for the rural health transformation program to such fund and making and concerning appropriations for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, for the state finance council and other state agencies.

CO HB1432

Health-Care Payment Programs