Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6524

Introduced
6/14/23  

Caption

House Resolution Respectfully Requesting The Office Of The Health Insurance Commissioner To Study, Publicly Report Data On, And Provide Recommendations For, Addressing The Critical Inadequacy Of Access To Behavioral Health Services In Rhode Island's Commercial Insurance Networks

Impact

If passed, H6524 will not directly amend existing laws but will instead prompt a comprehensive evaluation of the current state of behavioral health services and insurance practices. The bill aims to shine a light on systemic issues, such as high out-of-pocket costs and limited availability of providers, which have led to delays and discontinuities in care for individuals in need. Recommendations derived from the study have the potential to influence future reforms and improvements to health insurance regulations, making them more responsive to the needs of patients requiring mental health services.

Summary

House Bill H6524 is a resolution that respectfully requests the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner to study, publicly report data on, and provide recommendations concerning the significant inadequacies in access to behavioral health services within Rhode Island's commercial insurance networks. The bill was introduced amid a growing mental health crisis, with reports indicating that over 25% of adults in Rhode Island experienced some form of mental illness in 2022, reflecting rising concern regarding inadequate mental health services and barriers to accessing care.

Sentiment

The sentiment around H6524 appears to be generally supportive among mental health advocacy groups and healthcare providers, who view the bill as a necessary step towards addressing the access crisis in behavioral health services. However, some skepticism may exist regarding the effectiveness of state initiatives in creating genuine change, particularly with regard to implementation of the recommendations that arise from the proposed study. Stakeholders are keen to see timely action that translates data into actionable policy reforms to improve access to care.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the acknowledgment of existing barriers to mental health service access, such as the financial burden on patients and the limited availability of clinicians within insurance networks. The indicators cited in support of the bill underscore a pressing need for systematic changes; however, the actual implementation of changes recommended by the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner will be closely monitored by various stakeholders to ensure that they meet the needs of the communities affected by these problems. Ensuring comprehensive access to behavioral health resources may continue to face structural challenges depending on the results of the study and subsequent recommendations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H7533

HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THAT A RECYCLING/WASTE AUDIT BE CONDUCTED ON THE RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE WHICH PROVIDES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A WASTE REDUCTION STRATEGY

RI H7216

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADDRESS CONCERNS IN THE DELIVERY OF HEALTHCARE TO INMATES AND INDIVIDUALS AWAITING TRIAL IN THE CUSTODY OF THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (RIDOC) (Creates a 9 member commission to study and make recommendations on the delivery of healthcare services at RIDOC, and who reports back to the House no later than January 5, 2027, and whose life would expire on March 5, 2027.)

RI H5131

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADDRESS CONCERNS IN THE DELIVERY OF HEALTHCARE TO INMATES AND INDIVIDUALS AWAITING TRIAL IN THE CUSTODY OF THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (RIDOC) (Creates a 9 member commission to study and make recommendations on the delivery of healthcare services at RIDOC, and who reports back to the House no later than January 5, 2026, and whose life would expire on March 5, 2026.)

RI H5074

HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND RESOURCE RECOVERY CORPORATION (RIRRC) TO CONDUCT A RECYCLING/WASTE AUDIT ON THE RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A WASTE REDUCTION STRATEGY

RI H8422

HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING THRIVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, INC. ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY AND RECOGNIZING ITS ENDURING IMPACT ON THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF RHODE ISLANDERS

RI S0463

Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.

RI H5863

Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.

RI H6119

Adds to the powers and duties of the OHIC the undertaking of analyses, reports, studies, and recommendations with respect to reimbursement and financing for the provision of primary care services to Rhode Islanders.

RI S2257

SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (EOHHS) TO ADOPT AN ELECTRONIC PREADMISSION SCREENING AND RESIDENT REVIEW (PASRR) SYSTEM

RI S2884

Requires health insurance commissioner to conduct a review of health insurance benefit mandates, including an analysis of the impact on premium costs, conducted every 5 yrs and report findings and recommendations to governor, senate president and speaker.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.