Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2687

Introduced

2/27/26

Refer

2/27/26

Caption

Requires health insurers to comply with federal mental health parity laws, prevent discriminatory treatment limits, and ensures meaningful mental health and substance use coverage in all benefit classifications.

Impact

The introduction of S2687 is set to significantly influence existing state insurance laws. It would require health insurers to conduct regular evaluations of their treatment limitations on mental health services, ensuring that these limits do not yield inequalities in access to care. By obligating insurers to gather and report data assessing the fairness of their mental health coverage, the bill seeks to hold them accountable for compliance and to foster improvements in access to necessary mental health and substance use disorder treatments. The focus on meaningful coverage across all classifications of benefits aims to ensure that individuals receive adequate care regardless of the nature of their health conditions.

Summary

Bill S2687, titled 'The Protect Mental Health Act', is a legislative proposal aimed at ensuring health insurers comply with federal mental health parity laws. Introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, the bill mandates that any cost-sharing and treatment limitations for mental health and substance use disorder services align with the requirements outlined in the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. This initiative is designed to enhance access to mental health resources by preventing discriminatory practices in health insurance policies that may limit coverage for these services compared to medical and surgical benefits.

Contention

Debate surrounding the bill may center on the balance between empowering patients through improved access to mental health services and the financial implications for insurers. Critics might express concerns regarding the potential burden on health insurers to comply fully with these requirements and the fear of escalating insurance costs as a result. Proponents argue that addressing existing disparities in mental health coverage is critical for public health and well-being, indicating that a failure to act perpetuates inequities in how mental health conditions are treated compared to physical ailments.

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 S0054

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

RI H5432

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

RI S0013

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

RI H5172

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

RI S0263

Requires coverage for acute mental health crisis mobile response and stabilization services to eligible individuals enrolled as plan beneficiaries.

RI H6118

Requires coverage for acute mental health crisis mobile response and stabilization services to eligible individuals enrolled as plan beneficiaries.

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 S0479

Requires health insurance plans to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives. Insurers must report utilization and cost data annually. Certain limited benefit policies are exempt.

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.