Rhode Island Senate Bill S0107

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Report Pass: 5/11/23
• Engrossed: 5/18/23
• Refer: 5/19/23

Caption

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

Impact

The proposed legislation would significantly alter the insurance landscape for fertility treatments in Rhode Island. Currently, many health insurance policies do not adequately cover the high costs associated with infertility treatments, which can be a barrier for many families. By mandating insurance providers to include these coverages, the bill seeks to reduce financial burdens on women seeking to conceive and meet the rising demand for infertility services. Furthermore, the provisions outlined in the bill set a lifetime cap of $100,000 for treatment expenses, providing a structured but limited level of financial support.

Summary

S0107, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, aims to amend existing laws concerning accident and sickness insurance policies. Specifically, the bill mandates that all health insurance contracts that provide pregnancy-related benefits cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women aged 25 to 42. This includes coverage for medically necessary procedures such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF), as well as standard fertility preservation services when treatments may result in infertility. The bill is designed to expand access to fertility-related healthcare for individuals affected by infertility issues.

Contention

While the bill is seen as a progressive step towards expanding reproductive rights, it may face opposition from some insurers concerned about the potential increased costs of coverage and its implications for policy pricing and sustainability. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the ethical dimensions of genetic testing and its use within insurance practices. The emphasis on preimplantation genetic diagnosis could also raise debates around genetic selection and the ethical considerations of such procedures.