Rhode Island Senate Bill S2071

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/22
• Refer: 1/25/22

Caption

Insurance Coverage For Mental Illness And Substance Abuse

Impact

The legislation is set to have a considerable impact on existing state laws regarding insurance coverage for mental health services. Notably, it introduces provisions that require financial requirements and treatment limitations related to mental health and substance abuse to be no more restrictive than those that apply to predominantly covered medical conditions. This includes stipulations concerning both inpatient and outpatient services, emergency care, and specific inclusion of medication-assisted treatments essential for individuals battling substance abuse disorders.

Summary

Bill S2071, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, aims to improve insurance coverage for mental illness and substance use disorders significantly. The bill mandates that both group health plans and individual health insurance plans provide coverage for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders on par with other medical conditions, eliminating annual or lifetime dollar limitations on such coverage. This move is designed to ensure that individuals seeking treatment do not face financial obstacles that hinder their access to necessary care.

Contention

Discussions around Bill S2071 may involve points of contention regarding the implementation of these new insurance requirements. While supporters argue the necessity for comprehensive coverage to improve mental health outcomes and address the substance abuse crisis, critics may raise concerns about the financial implications for insurance providers and potential increases in insurance premiums. Furthermore, there may be debates about the adequacy of treatment duration requirements and whether 90 days of coverage for residential services is sufficient for effective recovery.