Bill > H5988

This bill addresses a significant 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 state general revenue to increase Medicaid payment rates for pediatric outpatient clinical services to 130% of Medicare rates. The legislation is motivated by alarming survey data showing that less than 50% of pediatric primary care offices are accepting new patients, with nearly 27% of pediatricians planning to retire within six years, which could result in a net loss of 40-45 providers by 2030. The bill aims to improve healthcare access for children by providing higher reimbursement rates that will help pediatric practices recruit and retain providers, including pediatricians, specialists, child psychiatrists, family medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician's assistants. The proposed rate increase is intended to address the current workforce shortage, particularly given that in 2022, 58% of children under seven and 54% of children ages 0-18 were covered by Medicaid in Rhode Island. By increasing payment rates, the bill seeks to make Rhode Island more competitive with neighboring states like Massachusetts and Connecticut and ultimately improve long-term health outcomes by investing in children's healthcare.

Budget and Finance

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