Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2879

Introduced
3/4/26  

Caption

Prohibits health insurance companies or other payors from including in physician participation agreements any provisions that restrict or prevent a physician from charging patients reasonable administrative or operational fees to support overhead.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would bring significant changes to the contractual landscape between health insurance companies and physician practices in Rhode Island. By enforcing a more transparent relationship, the legislation aims to ensure that patients are well-informed about any administrative costs they could incur. Additionally, the act seeks to uphold the continuity of care, requiring physician practices to provide emergency services irrespective of these fees, thereby prioritizing patient welfare over financial transactions.

Summary

The bill S2879, known as The Primary Care Preservation Act, is designed to protect and clarify the ability of physician practices to charge patients reasonable administrative or operational fees. This legislation explicitly prohibits health insurance companies and other payors from including any clauses in their contracts that would restrict or penalize physicians for charging these fees. The need for such provisions arises from increasing overhead costs faced by medical practices, which are struggling to remain financially viable while providing essential patient services.

Contention

Some potential points of contention may arise around the implications of allowing physicians to charge for administrative fees. Supporters of S2879 argue that it would remedy financial disparities that inhibit practices from serving patients effectively. However, opponents may raise concerns about the burden these fees could place on patients, especially those with lower incomes who may find additional charges challenging. The political discourse surrounding this bill is likely to reflect broader debates on healthcare affordability and access within the state.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6353

Authorizes a physician practice to charge a practice support contribution; provided that, the amount does not exceed $120 per year, per patient, enrolled in a healthcare insurance plan, (excluding Medicaid and traditional Medicare).

RI S0695

Recognizes the program run by the Rhode Island Medical Society or comparable program for physicians, physician assistants, dentists, and podiatrists, to address burnout, substance abuse, and mental and physical health issues.

RI H6036

Recognizes the program run by the Rhode Island Medical Society or comparable program for physicians, physician assistants, dentists, and podiatrists, to address burnout, substance abuse, and mental and physical health issues.

RI S0114

Prohibits any health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, manufacturer or other third-party payor from discriminating against any 340B entity participating in a drug discount program.

RI H5634

Prohibits any health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, manufacturer or other third-party payor from discriminating against any 340B entity participating in a drug discount program.

RI H5852

Expands the existing law regarding collaborative practice agreements between pharmacists and physicians to allow other healthcare providers to enter into such agreements and removes the definition of “collaborative practice committee.”

RI S0683

Expands the existing law regarding collaborative practice agreements to allow non-physician healthcare providers to enter into such agreements.

RI S0976

Mandates cosmetic medical procedures be performed by a physician, PA, APRN, or delegated to a qualified non-physician, non-PA or non-APRN under the supervision of a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.

RI H5351

Mandates cosmetic medical procedures be performed by a physician, PA, APRN, or delegated to a qualified non-physician, non-PA or non-APRN under the supervision of a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.

RI S0701

Allows advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians who are and are not licensed in Rhode Island to provide telemedicine services to patients who are in the state when those services are rendered.

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