Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5561

Introduced
2/26/25  
Refer
2/26/25  
Report Pass
5/8/25  
Engrossed
6/3/25  

Caption

Prohibits healthcare providers and health plans from denying the payment of a medical bill, solely because the bill may have arisen from a third-party claim.

Impact

If enacted, H5561 will significantly alter the landscape of healthcare payments in the state. It will mandate that healthcare entities and health plans comply with specific processing time frames when they receive claims and provide clear notification regarding any claim denials. Additionally, the bill imposes a requirement for interest payments on late reimbursements, which could incentivize faster processing and compliance with established timelines. This could lead to improvements in cash flow for healthcare providers and instill more confidence in policyholders regarding their coverage.

Summary

House Bill H5561 aims to prohibit healthcare providers and health plans from denying the payment of a medical bill solely because the bill arises from a third-party claim, excluding workers' compensation claims. By establishing this rule, the bill seeks to protect policyholders and healthcare providers from potential disenfranchisement when third-party claims are involved, ensuring that the right to payment is preserved under broader circumstances. This amendment is designed to streamline the claims process and reduce complexities that could hinder prompt payments for medical services rendered.

Contention

There are notable concerns surrounding this bill, particularly from industries and entities that may face financial implications as a result of stricter reimbursement obligations. Critics may argue that requiring healthcare entities to pay for claims associated with third-party incidents could lead to increased insurance costs or burdens on the healthcare system. Additionally, exceptions outlined within the bill, such as claims submitted beyond ninety days, could generate disputes and confusion, complicating the claims resolution process rather than simplifying it. Overall, while the intentions behind H5561 may be to protect stakeholders in the healthcare industry, the enforcement and practical application of these regulations will require careful consideration.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S2613

Prohibits a health insurer from denying a claim for any medical bill based on sole reasoning that the bill may arise from a motor vehicle accident or other third-party claim and prohibits a medical provider from refusing to submit medical for same reason.

RI H7143

Prohibits a health insurer from denying a claim for any medical bill based on sole reasoning that the bill may arise from a motor vehicle accident or other third-party claim and prohibits a medical provider from refusing to submit medical for same reason.

RI H5165

Board Of Medical Licensure And Discipline -- Prompt Processing Of Insurance Claims

RI S0102

Board Of Medical Licensure And Discipline -- Prompt Processing Of Insurance Claims

RI S2262

Creates a protective legal shield for healthcare providers, precluding any civil/criminal action by other states/persons against healthcare providers involving persons seeking access to transgender and reproductive healthcare services provided in RI.

RI H7577

Creates a protective legal shield for healthcare providers, precluding any civil/criminal action by other states/persons against healthcare providers involving persons seeking access to transgender and reproductive healthcare services provided in RI.

RI S2423

Establishes the right of a medical practitioner, healthcare institution, or healthcare payer not to participate in or pay for any medical procedure or service this violates their conscience.

RI H7150

Expands the rights of physician assistants with regard to their practice and prohibits non-compete clauses that exceed five years with regard to the purchase and sale of a practice.

RI S2182

Expands the rights of physician assistants with regard to their practice and prohibits non-compete clauses that exceed five years with regard to the purchase and sale of a practice.

RI S2309

Prohibits contractors and subcontractors from paying employees the cash equivalent of any applicable healthcare benefit in lieu of actually purchasing the healthcare benefit unless the employee is covered under a different healthcare plan.

Similar Bills

RI S0846

Prohibits healthcare providers and health plans from denying the payment of a medical bill, solely because the bill may have arisen from a third-party claim.

RI S2613

Prohibits a health insurer from denying a claim for any medical bill based on sole reasoning that the bill may arise from a motor vehicle accident or other third-party claim and prohibits a medical provider from refusing to submit medical for same reason.

RI H7143

Prohibits a health insurer from denying a claim for any medical bill based on sole reasoning that the bill may arise from a motor vehicle accident or other third-party claim and prohibits a medical provider from refusing to submit medical for same reason.

RI S0052

Prohibits certain claim practices of health insurers and medical providers. The act would further require fulfillment of medical record requests within fourteen (14) days.

RI H5066

Prohibits certain claim practices of health insurers and medical providers. The act would further require fulfillment of medical record requests within fourteen (14) days.

RI H5165

Board Of Medical Licensure And Discipline -- Prompt Processing Of Insurance Claims

RI S0102

Board Of Medical Licensure And Discipline -- Prompt Processing Of Insurance Claims

CA AB744

Health care coverage: telehealth.