Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S3023

Introduced
3/5/26  

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

This bill represents a significant shift in healthcare policy, specifically targeting the management of lung cancer, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Rhode Island. By mandating insurance coverage for these screenings, S3023 seeks to improve patient outcomes through earlier diagnosis, which can lead to prompt intervention and treatment. The legislation underlines the importance of aligning state-level health policy with recognized guidelines from the American Cancer Society, thereby enhancing the standard of care for lung cancer patients.

Summary

Bill S3023 mandates health insurance coverage for lung cancer screenings in the state of Rhode Island by eliminating out-of-pocket costs. The bill aims to enable patients to access critical care without financial barriers, emphasizing early detection as essential for effective treatment. Starting January 1, 2027, health insurance plans are required to cover follow-up screening or diagnostic services for lung cancer without any copays or deductibles, consequently promoting widespread availability of lung cancer screenings across the state.

Contention

While the intent of S3023 is to improve healthcare access, it may face scrutiny regarding its financial implications for health insurance providers. Critics may argue about the potential increase in premiums resulting from the mandated coverage, raising concerns about the burden on insurers and, ultimately, consumers. Additionally, there may be discussions about the adequacy of screening technologies and whether the provisions of the bill align with other legislative changes impacting healthcare access and insurance regulations.

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.