Bill > H5329

This bill, titled "The Rhode Island Health Benefits Exchange Act," amends state law to terminate the Rhode Island health benefits exchange, known as "HealthSourceRI," and transfer its management and operation to the federal government, specifically the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, effective January 1, 2016. The bill defines "Exchange" as the Rhode Island health benefits exchange established under federal law, the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (often called Obamacare), and related legislation, and also defines "unified health infrastructure project" as the technology program supporting the exchange. Crucially, the bill prohibits any state agency or contracted entity from planning, creating, or operating a state-based health insurance exchange, including HealthSourceRI, and directs the governor to take necessary administrative actions to ensure a seamless transfer of management and operation by December 31, 2015, so that individuals, families, and businesses enrolled in coverage through the exchange retain their health insurance without interruption and on essentially the same terms.