Bill > S0054

This bill aims to eliminate preauthorization requirements for mental health and substance use disorder services provided by in-network healthcare providers in Rhode Island. The legislation is motivated by concerning national statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which revealed that only 46.2% of adults with mental illness and just 6.5% of individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) receive treatment. Drawing on a precedent set by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island in 2018, the bill mandates that all health insurers in the state remove prior authorization barriers for mental health and substance use disorder services. Specifically, the bill adds a new subsection to existing insurance law that prohibits health insurers from requiring preauthorization for in-network mental health or substance use disorder services and empowers the Office of Health Insurance Commissioner to create rules, conduct oversight, and impose fines for non-compliance. By removing administrative obstacles, the bill seeks to improve timely access to mental health and substance use treatment, addressing a critical gap in healthcare delivery that can prevent individuals from seeking necessary care.

Health and Social Services

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