Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2880

Introduced

3/4/26

Refer

3/4/26

Caption

Requires the executive office of health and human services to consider a new element when reviewing the appropriate Medicaid payments to be paid to nursing facilities.

Impact

The bill aims to enhance the reimbursement process by introducing elements that account for patient acuity and occupancy rates in nursing facilities. Specifically, it directs the executive office of health and human services to revise existing payment principles to accommodate direct-care rates adjusted for resident needs. Moreover, adjustments to payment rates based on inflation indices and the costs incurred by facilities are also specified, setting a framework for more predictable funding for essential services over time.

Summary

Senate Bill S2880, introduced by Senator Louis P. DiPalma, seeks to amend Section 40-8-19 of the General Laws concerning 'Medical Assistance' in the state of Rhode Island. The bill mandates a review of Medicaid payment rates to nursing facilities licensed under chapter 17 of title 23. The primary focus is to transition from a cost-based reimbursement methodology to a price-based methodology that more accurately reflects the costs incurred by efficiently operated facilities. This change is projected to ensure that rates are reasonable and adequate, thereby improving the financial viability of nursing homes.

Contention

A point of contention likely arises concerning the implications of transitioning to a price-based methodology. Critics may argue that this change could disproportionately benefit certain facilities over others depending on their operational efficiency and patient demographics. There may also be concerns about the potential impacts on staffing levels and the wages of direct-care workers, as a substantial portion of rate increases is dedicated to enhancing compensation for these essential staff members. Balancing the interests of nursing facilities while ensuring high-quality care for residents will likely be a significant focus of legislative discussions surrounding S2880.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0466

Allows executive office of EOHHS to review current methodology for Medical payments to nursing facilities.

RI H5144

Allows executive office of EOHHS to review current methodology for Medical payments to nursing facilities.

RI H6373

Requires the executive office of health and human services to increase Medicaid payment rates for primary care services furnished by primary care providers to be commensurate with Medicare rates.

RI H5986

Reduces the appropriation to Medicaid managed care in fiscal year 2025-2026 in order to increase the rates for Medicaid nursing facilities.

RI S1004

Requires the executive office of health and human services to apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a state plan amendment for reimbursement for health services in a school.

RI H6308

Requires the executive office of health and human services to apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a state plan amendment for reimbursement for health services in a school.

RI S0171

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

RI H5790

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $90,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO SUPPORT PHYSICIAN REIMBURSEMENT RATE INCREASES IN THE RHODE ISLAND MEDICAID PROGRAM (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $90,000,000 to the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services to be invested in increasing reimbursement rates for all physicians and advanced practice providers.)

RI S0873

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $90,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO SUPPORT PHYSICIAN REIMBURSEMENT RATE INCREASES IN THE RHODE ISLAND MEDICAID PROGRAM (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $90,000,000 to the Rhode Island executive office of health and human services to be invested in increasing reimbursement rates for all physicians and advanced practice providers.)

RI S0173

Requires the secretary of the executive office of health and human services to monitor and mandate changes to the price-setting practices of pharmacy benefit managers to prohibit the spread pricing payment model.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.