Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2864

Introduced
3/4/26  

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

The implementation of S2864 is expected to have significant implications for public health in Rhode Island. By providing coverage that eliminates copayments and deductibles, the bill incentivizes individuals to undergo necessary screenings, thereby facilitating early diagnosis and treatment. As a result, it may lead to better health outcomes for patients diagnosed with lung cancer while potentially reducing overall healthcare costs by catching the disease earlier when treatments can be more effective. Furthermore, the bill aligns with national guidelines for preventive healthcare, promoting a more proactive approach to public health.

Summary

S2864 is a proposed bill aimed at mandating insurance coverage for lung cancer screenings in Rhode Island. The legislation seeks to eliminate out-of-pocket costs associated with follow-up screenings or diagnostic services from every individual or group health insurance policy that is delivered, issued for delivery, prescribed, or renewed in the state as of January 1, 2027. By ensuring that patients do not face financial barriers to accessing these critical health services, the bill intends to improve early detection rates for lung cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the state.

Contention

Although the bill garnered support for its public health benefits, there may be points of contention regarding its financial implications for insurance providers. Concerns might arise about the potential increase in premiums or the financial burden on insurance companies, as mandated coverage can lead to higher costs in the short term. Additionally, while the bill is designed to align with clinical practice guidelines, questions may be raised regarding the criteria for recommendations and whether these screenings will be equally available across different demographics and healthcare settings.

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 S0480

Mandates health insurance coverage for FDA approved contraceptive drug, device or therapeutic equivalent.

RI H5626

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 S0897

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

RI H5627

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

RI S0684

Prohibits a policy of individual health insurance coverage from requiring prior authorization for prescriptions of generic medication.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.