Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2119

Introduced
1/16/26  

Caption

Provides that the EOHHS, through Emergency Medicaid, cover dialysis for the treatment of end stage renal disease ("ESRD") and kidney transplants for RI residents who do not qualify for full Medicaid under federal law due to their immigration status.

Impact

If enacted, S2119 would significantly alter the existing healthcare provisions under Rhode Island law by expanding Emergency Medicaid coverage to include critical treatments for renal disease. This change would allow qualifying individuals, including undocumented immigrants, to receive necessary dialysis and transplant services, addressing urgent health needs while they remain ineligible for broader Medicaid benefits due to their immigration status. The legislation resonates with ongoing debates regarding healthcare equity and access for marginalized populations within the state.

Summary

S2119 is a legislative act introduced in January 2026 aimed at enhancing healthcare access for specific residents in Rhode Island. The bill mandates that the state's Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) provide coverage for dialysis treatment related to end stage renal disease (ESRD) and kidney transplants for residents who do not qualify for full Medicaid benefits due to their immigration status. This initiative seeks to bridge the healthcare gap faced by undocumented individuals and non-citizens who have not yet met the federal five-year residency requirement to qualify for Medicaid.

Contention

The introduction of S2119 may also ignite discussion among legislators and the public regarding the implications of providing state-funded healthcare benefits to undocumented individuals. Supporters are likely to argue that the bill improves public health outcomes and reduces emergency healthcare costs associated with untreated renal disease, while opponents could voice concerns over the financial burden on the state budget or the prioritization of resources for undocumented populations. This division reflects broader national conversations about immigration, state responsibility, and healthcare entitlement.

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 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 S0975

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

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.

RI H6289

Raises the per diem rate by thirteen percent (13%) for Medicaid reimbursement for Tier C services provide by assisted living residence beginning January 1, 2026.

RI H5774

Establishes Medicaid fee-for-service reimbursement rates set by the general assembly as the rate floor for Medicaid managed care by home care, home nursing care and hospice providers licensed by the DOH and continue the EEOHH.

RI S0255

Establishes Medicaid fee-for-service reimbursement rates set by the general assembly as the rate floor for Medicaid managed care by home care, home nursing care and hospice providers licensed by the DOH and continue the EEOHH.

RI S0874

Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.

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.