Bill > H5561

This bill prohibits healthcare providers and health insurance plans from denying payment of a medical bill solely because the bill may have arisen from a third-party claim or incident, with an exception for workers' compensation claims. Specifically, the bill amends several sections of Rhode Island law related to medical licensure, accident and sickness insurance, nonprofit hospital and medical service corporations, and health maintenance organizations to add language preventing these entities from refusing to process a claim just because it originates from a potential legal settlement or insurance claim (such as from an auto accident or personal injury case). The bill adds this prohibition as an unprofessional conduct standard for medical providers and as a claims processing requirement for health insurers, effectively ensuring that patients can have their medical bills paid regardless of the underlying circumstances of their medical treatment. The new rule applies to all types of health insurance entities operating in the state and takes effect immediately upon passage.

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