Rhode Island Senate Bill S3086

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/21/24
• Refer: 5/21/24
• Report Pass: 5/23/24
• Engrossed: 5/30/24
• Refer: 5/31/24
• Engrossed: 6/13/24
• Passed: 6/25/24

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING HEALTHSOURCE RI (HSRI) TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE ISSUE OF AFFORDABILITY OF COVERAGE IN THE RHODE ISLAND HEALTH INSURANCE INDIVIDUAL MARKET AND TO PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE DESIGN OF A STATE-BASED PROGRAM TO PROVIDE AFFORDABILITY ASSISTANCE TO RHODE ISLANDERS ENROLLED IN PLANS THROUGH THE HSRI EXCHANGE

Impact

The bill aims to examine and recommend the design of a state-based program to provide affordability assistance to individuals enrolled in HSRI plans. By doing so, it seeks to create a framework for improving access to healthcare, particularly as federal supports, such as enhanced advance premium tax credits established during the pandemic, are set to expire by December 2025. The working group's recommendations are anticipated to address both the monthly premium costs and the out-of-pocket expenses that enrollees face, potentially safeguarding coverage gains made in recent years and making health insurance more manageable for Rhode Islanders.

Summary

Bill S3086 is a joint resolution that calls upon HealthSource RI (HSRI) to assemble a working group focused on assessing the affordability of health insurance coverage within the individual market in Rhode Island. This initiative is driven by concerns over escalating healthcare costs, which have increasingly strained the budgets of Rhode Islanders, particularly those enrolled in plans via HSRI. The bill recognizes the significant burden of high deductibles and insurance premiums that prevent individuals from effectively accessing necessary medical services, a situation particularly dire for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and low-income individuals. Recent studies underline the detrimental effects that rising costs have on healthcare utilization, highlighting an urgent need for action to address these issues.

Sentiment

The sentiment associated with Bill S3086 appears to be largely positive, especially among those advocating for increased healthcare accessibility. There is a recognition of the pressing economic challenges surrounding health insurance affordability in the state. Stakeholders such as healthcare providers, consumer advocacy organizations, and legislators participating in the working group signal a collaborative effort to derive solutions that can mitigate the financial burden on constituents. However, there may also be underlying tensions regarding funding mechanisms and budgetary implications, as the bill suggests consideration of various funding methods to support the proposed affordability program, indicating possible debates over fiscal priorities.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from differing opinions on how to fund the proposed state-based affordability program and the structure of that program itself. The bill includes provisions for studying a range of funding mechanisms, which could lead to disagreements on the appropriate sources of revenue and the potential impact on the state budget. Additionally, there may be concerns about the efficacy and reach of measures suggested by the working group, particularly in ensuring comprehensive coverage for those transitioning from Medicaid to HSRI plans, which will be a critical area of focus as outlined in the bill.