Bill > H6118

This bill requires health insurance providers in Rhode Island to cover acute mental health crisis mobile response and stabilization services for children and youth under 18 years old, starting January 1, 2026. These services are defined as a behavioral health crisis intervention system that provides immediate de-escalation, stabilization, and follow-up care by certified providers when a young person is experiencing a mental health crisis. The crisis symptoms can include aggression, self-injury, trauma, acute depression or anxiety, school challenges, suicidal or homicidal thoughts, and extreme parent-child conflict. The bill applies to various types of health insurance contracts, including individual and group plans, and mandates that insurers provide these services consistent with the mobile crisis model while ensuring timely access. The coverage requirement does not apply to specialized insurance types like disability income, accident-only, long-term care, or Medicare supplement plans. The bill amends four different chapters of Rhode Island's General Laws to ensure comprehensive implementation across different types of health insurance providers, demonstrating a systematic approach to expanding mental health support for young people.

Health and Social Services

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