Rhode Island House Bill H7388

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/22
• Refer: 2/9/22

Caption

Catastrophic Illness In Children Relief Fund

Impact

If enacted, H7388 would amend Title 23 of the General Laws to create a nonlapsing, revolving fund specifically designed to assist families with children aged twenty-one and younger afflicted by catastrophic conditions. The program would require the administration of a newly formed commission responsible for overseeing fund distribution and ensuring that eligible families receive necessary financial assistance. This could significantly expand access to healthcare support for families facing overwhelming medical costs.

Summary

House Bill 7388, titled the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, seeks to establish a financial support system for families with children who suffer from catastrophic illnesses. The bill defines 'catastrophic illness' as an illness whose medical expenses exceed a certain threshold and are not covered by any insurance or government programs. It aims to alleviate the financial burden on families by providing necessary funds for medical treatment not adequately covered by existing resources.

Contention

While H7388 presents a positive step towards safeguarding children’s health, it may face contention regarding the sourcing of funds. The bill proposes an annual surcharge of $1.50 per employee for all employers governed by employment security laws to finance this relief fund. Critics may argue that adding financial burdens on businesses could lead to pushback against the implementation of additional taxes or fees. Furthermore, the definition of eligibility and the sliding fee scale for assistance are potential focal points for debate among lawmakers and stakeholders in the healthcare arena.