Rhode Island House Bill H5657

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/23
• Refer: 2/17/23

Caption

Health Care Accessibility And Quality Assurance Act

Impact

If passed, H5657 will change the dynamics of mental health care accessibility by mandating that health care entities and network plans include specific provisions in contracts with providers for outpatient behavioral health services. Effective January 1, 2024, the bill will enforce an annual average reimbursement rate increase of no less than five percent above the Consumer Price Index. This is intended to improve the compensation for mental health and substance use professionals, thereby attracting more providers into these networks, increasing overall access to necessary services, and alleviating the strain on emergency departments which frequently serve as a last-resort entry point for individuals seeking care.

Summary

House Bill 5657, known as the Health Care Accessibility and Quality Assurance Act, aims to address significant barriers in accessing mental health and substance use disorder services in Rhode Island. The bill is introduced amid concerns about a growing behavioral health crisis impacting the state, with findings indicating that a notable percentage of adults have reported being unable to receive necessary mental health treatment due to various obstacles such as high costs, limited provider availability, and long wait times. This legislation seeks to respond to these issues by implementing requirements for health care entities to report on provider claim processes and contract stipulations regarding outpatient behavioral health services.

Contention

Despite the well-intentioned objectives of H5657, there may be contention surrounding its implementation, particularly concerning the adequacy of the reimbursement rates stipulated in the bill relative to the economic realities facing behavioral health providers. Advocates argue that the bill may not go far enough to resolve the fundamental financial barriers that deter talented professionals from entering the field, while critics may argue it imposes additional regulations on healthcare providers that could inhibit operational flexibility. The emphasis on outpatient care over emergency services may also lead to debates on whether this approach effectively addresses the immediate needs of individuals in crisis.