Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6158

Introduced
4/2/25  

Caption

Mandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling treatments for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatments.

Impact

The enactment of H6158 will have significant implications on existing insurance policies within the state. It amends several chapters of the General Laws about Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies, Nonprofit Hospital Service Corporations, and Health Maintenance Organizations by introducing mandatory coverage for scalp cooling. This reflects an evolving conversation about the role of healthcare coverage in supporting cancer patients beyond traditional treatment approaches, emphasizing a holistic view of patient care that factor in psychological impacts of treatment.

Summary

House Bill H6158 pertains to insurance policies related to health care, specifically focusing on ensuring coverage for scalp cooling systems for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy. This bill mandates that all individual or group hospital or medical expense insurance policies, as well as hospital or medical services plan contracts, provide coverage for scalp cooling technologies beginning January 1, 2026. The aim of this legislation is to mitigate one of the more distressing side effects of chemotherapy - hair loss - and to improve the overall quality of life for patients during their treatment.

Contention

Although the bill presents benefits to those affected by breast cancer, there may be some contention regarding its implementation. The exclusions outlined in the legislation – which specify that coverage for scalp cooling systems does not apply to various other types of insurance policies, including long-term care and Medicare supplements – may raise questions. Advocates may argue that the bill should extend to cover more comprehensive scenarios, while opponents may cite concerns about the potential financial burden this could impose on insurance providers. Additionally, the debate may center around the question of whether covering scalp cooling is essential in the context of overall cancer care or if it represents an overextension of insurance benefits.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5628

Mandates all health insurance contracts, plans, or policies provide the same reimbursement to independent healthcare facilities as that of hospital affiliated facilities where the same healthcare service is provided.

RI H5082

Limits copays, coinsurance or office deductibles for services of a physical therapist to the amount authorized for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath on or after January 1, 2026.

RI S0051

Limits copays, coinsurance or office deductibles for services of a physical therapist to the amount authorized for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath on or after January 1, 2026.

RI H6118

Requires coverage for acute mental health crisis mobile response and stabilization services to eligible individuals enrolled as plan beneficiaries.

RI S0263

Requires coverage for acute mental health crisis mobile response and stabilization services to eligible individuals enrolled as plan beneficiaries.

RI S0115

Requires health plans that provide prescription benefits to cover at least one type of glucagon auto-injector, nasal spray, or formulation that does not require reconstitution to treat hypoglycemia. No copayment or deductible would be required.

RI H5173

Requires health plans that provide prescription benefits to cover at least one type of glucagon auto-injector, nasal spray, or formulation that does not require reconstitution to treat hypoglycemia. No copayment or deductible would be required.

RI H5256

Provides for equal pay for healthcare providers.

Similar Bills

NJ A5271

Requires health insurance coverage of scalp cooling systems in connection with cancer chemotherapy treatment; requires physicians to inform patients of scalp cooling therapy.

MA H1258

Requiring coverage of medically necessary oral and dental care for head and neck cancer survivor

WV HB3505

Relating to insurance

TX HB1649

Relating to health benefit coverage for certain fertility preservation services and notice regarding certain risks of impaired fertility.

WV HB2906

Preservation of hair during chemotherapy

TX HCR91

Granting Barbara Stegall permission to sue the Texas Municipal League, TML MultiState Intergovernmental Employee Benefits Pool, Inc., and UMR, Inc.

TX SCR30

Granting Barbara Stegall permission to sue the Texas Municipal League, TML MultiState Intergovernmental Employee Benefits Pool, Inc., and UMR, Inc.

WV HB3084

Creating the Oral Health and Cancer Rights Act