Bill > H6119

This bill adds new responsibilities to the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) regarding primary care financing and reimbursement analyses. Specifically, the bill requires OHIC to conduct comprehensive studies of primary care financing across all insurance types (Medicaid, commercial, and Medicare), examining not just traditional fee-for-service payments but also alternative payment methods like shared savings programs and quality bonuses. The office must publish biennial reports starting in 2026 that detail current primary care reimbursement structures, including comparisons across insurers, market segments, and practice types. Additionally, the bill mandates that OHIC make recommendations for potential rate adjustments and financing mechanism improvements, with the goal of supporting team-based primary care models. To support this work, the bill establishes a nine-member advisory committee appointed by the governor, representing diverse healthcare stakeholders including providers, hospitals, community health centers, and patient advocacy groups. The committee will provide input and guidance, and its meetings will be subject to open meeting laws. The bill aims to create a systematic approach to understanding and potentially improving primary care financing in Rhode Island.

Health and Social Services

https://status.rilegislature.gov/