Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S3088

Introduced
3/13/26  

Caption

Establishes a procedure for a health insurer to reimburse a healthcare provider no less than sixty-five percent (65%) of each unpaid co-payment, co-insurance or deductible amount due, after reasonable collection efforts.

Impact

The proposed legislation is likely to have significant implications on state health insurance laws, as it introduces a specific protocol for debt reimbursement that insurers must follow. This legal framework aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by healthcare providers when patients fail to pay out-of-pocket costs. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of making reasonable collection efforts prior to seeking reimbursement from insurers, thereby promoting accountability among healthcare providers as they navigate patient billing and collection processes. By doing so, it aims to enhance healthcare access and affordability for patients by stabilizing providers' financial positions.

Summary

Bill S3088, titled 'Equitable Funding for Healthcare Provider Bad Debt', seeks to create a systematic approach for health insurers to reimburse healthcare providers for unpaid co-payments, co-insurances, or deductibles that remain after reasonable collection efforts have been made. This initiative is rooted in the recognition of the financial challenges faced by healthcare providers due to uncollected debts, which can affect their operational viability and service delivery. It mandates that health insurers reimburse providers at least sixty-five percent (65%) of each unpaid amount, provided certain criteria are met, ensuring that providers are compensated for their services rendered.

Contention

Although the bill provides a structured solution to a prevalent issue within the healthcare system, it is not without potential points of contention. For instance, concerns may arise around the definitions of 'reasonable collection efforts' and the thresholds for unpaid amounts eligible for reimbursement. Additionally, the bill requires health providers to document their collection strategies, which may impose an administrative burden on smaller practices. There may also be differing opinions on the percentage of reimbursement, with some stakeholders advocating for adjustments based on varying factors within the healthcare landscape, which could lead to debates about fairness and equity in the reimbursement process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5628

Mandates all health insurance contracts, plans, or policies provide the same reimbursement to independent healthcare facilities as that of hospital affiliated facilities where the same healthcare service is provided.

RI H5862

Requires insurance companies to prove that a healthcare service or procedure is not medically necessary.

RI S0681

Amends powers/duties of the office of the health insurance commissioner to increase total cost of care for services reimbursed under contracts after risk adjustment that exceeds the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers percentage increase.

RI H5832

Amends powers/duties of the office of the health insurance commissioner to increase total cost of care for services reimbursed under contracts after risk adjustment that exceeds the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers percentage increase.

RI S0305

Establishes the right of a medical practitioner, healthcare institution, or healthcare payer not to participate in or pay for any medical procedure or service this violates their conscience.

RI H5256

Provides for equal pay for healthcare providers.

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 S0463

Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.

RI H5863

Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.

RI H5253

Removes the age restriction for benefits coverage and requires, for health insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, that coverage must include reimbursement for applied behavior analysis provider services.

Similar Bills

AR HB1930

To Mandate Minimum Reimbursement Levels For Healthcare Services.

AR SB626

To Require Fair And Transparent Reimbursement Rates; To Ensure Parity Of Healthcare Services; To Amend The Billing In The Best Interest Of Patients Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

RI H8267

Establishes a procedure for a health insurer to reimburse a healthcare provider no less than sixty-five percent (65%) of each unpaid co-payment, co-insurance or deductible amount due, after reasonable collection efforts.

NM SB370

Obgyn Medicaid Reimbursement Rates

AR HB1703

To Provide A Drug Reimbursement Process For Certain Healthcare Providers.

NM SB249

Health Care Provider Gross Receipts

NM HB344

Healthcare Equipment Gross Receipts

NM SB295

Gross Receipts Tax Changes