Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S3153

Introduced

3/27/26

Refer

3/27/26

Caption

Authorizes the secretary of the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS) to increase resource eligibility limits for persons with long-term care needs who reside at home to $12,000 for single persons and $18,000 for couples.

Impact

The act emphasizes a transition towards enhancing home- and community-based services instead of traditional institutional care, aligning with modern preferences for aging-in-place strategies. By mandating that at least 50% of Medicaid long-term care funding be allocated to home and community services, the bill not only reflects national trends but also addresses local needs. In addition, the bill requires annual reporting on the percentage distribution of long-term care funding and waiting lists, thus increasing transparency and accountability within the healthcare system.

Summary

Bill S3153, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, seeks to reform long-term care services by amending existing laws related to medical assistance and establishing new guidelines for home- and community-based care. The bill authorizes the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS) to increase resource eligibility limits for individuals requiring long-term care, allowing single persons to have resources up to $12,000 and couples up to $18,000. This change aims to facilitate greater access to necessary services for those wishing to remain in home settings rather than institutional care.

Contention

Though the intentions of S3153 are largely positive, potential contention points may arise regarding financial implications and resource allocation. Concerns may exist among stakeholders about whether sufficient funding will be available to support the expected increase in demand for home care services. Additionally, the integration and consolidation of existing services into a unified framework could face resistance from organizations that currently deliver specialized services, as these providers may fear a loss of funding or support in a more centralized system. Moreover, the specifics of the eligibility criteria and how they will be implemented could lead to debates among lawmakers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0696

Authorizes an increase in resource eligibility limits for persons with long-term-care needs who reside at home and requires semi-annual reports from Medicaid certified assisted living facilities and adult day service providers to the EOHHS.

RI H6074

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 H5462

Provides that the early intervention program for developmentally disabled infants be under the jurisdiction of the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS).

RI S0247

Provides that the early intervention program for developmentally disabled infants be under the jurisdiction of the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS).

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.

RI H5498

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 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 H6254

Authorizes office of health and human services (EOHHS) to establish coverage for obesity treatments, including medication. Office of health and human services would seek a 1115(a) waiver.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.