Bill > S0427

This bill addresses a critical pediatric healthcare workforce crisis in Rhode Island by requiring the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to amend the state Medicaid plan and secure sufficient state general revenue to increase Medicaid payment rates to 130% of Medicare rates for all outpatient clinical pediatric services by October 1, 2025. The bill is motivated by alarming survey data showing that less than 50% of pediatric primary care offices are accepting new patients, and nearly 27% of pediatricians plan to retire within six years, which could result in a net loss of 40-45 providers by 2030. The proposed rate increase aims to improve healthcare access, recruit and retain pediatric providers (including pediatricians, specialists, child psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals), and address significant disparities in Medicaid reimbursement rates compared to neighboring states. The legislation recognizes that Medicaid covers a majority of children in Rhode Island (58% of children under 7 and 54% of children ages 0-18) and argues that investing in childhood healthcare can produce improved health outcomes and reduce future healthcare costs. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage.

Budget and Finance

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