Rhode Island Senate Bill S2189

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Health Care For Families

Impact

The proposed bill is expected to have significant effects on state laws concerning employer contributions towards healthcare for employees. It provides a structured way for the state to raise revenue while ensuring that large employers contribute to the costs associated with employing individuals who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare. By instituting this assessment, the bill aims to mitigate the financial burden on the state while promoting accountability among larger employers. The revenue generated from this assessment could be utilized to enhance Medicaid services and improve overall healthcare access for families in need.

Summary

S2189, titled 'Health Care for Families', proposes the introduction of a Medicaid Employer Assessment aimed at employers in Rhode Island with three hundred or more employees. This bill requires these employers to pay a quarterly assessment for each of their employees who are beneficiaries of Medicaid. The assessment is calculated as ten percent of the wages paid to Medicaid-enrolled employees, with a cap at $1,500 per employee per year. This initiative seeks to generate funds that will assist in managing the healthcare needs of families enrolled in Medicaid, while placing some financial responsibility on larger employers who may benefit from their workers being part of this social safety net.

Contention

Despite its aims, S2189 has faced points of contention during discussions. Critics argue that the financial burden placed on large employers could lead to adverse employment effects, such as job cuts or reduced employee hours to avoid increased costs. Additionally, the exemption of certain employee categories from the assessment raises concerns about equity and fairness. Proponents of the bill assert that the assessment is a necessary step to ensure that larger organizations contribute their fair share to a system that supports low-income families and that adequate protections against discrimination based on Medicaid status prevent adverse employment actions against beneficiaries.