Rhode Island Senate Bill S0243

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

Catastrophic Illness In Children Relief Fund

Impact

The creation of this relief fund represents a significant change in state healthcare policy, aiming to alleviate the financial burden experienced by families facing severe medical challenges. The bill mandates that the fund will be financed through a nominal annual surcharge imposed on employers who are subject to the employment security laws, which aligns with the bill's goal of providing a safety net for vulnerable families during a health crisis. Through its provisions, S0243 is likely to enhance access to critical medical care for children in catastrophic situations.

Summary

S0243 establishes the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund within the state of Rhode Island. This fund is designed to provide financial assistance to families with children aged 21 and younger who suffer from catastrophic illnesses. The bill specifies that eligible medical expenses are those not covered by any other state or federal program or insurance contracts, and it delineates what constitutes a 'catastrophic illness'. The bill also outlines the necessity of establishing a commission to oversee the administration of this fund, which will include both public members and state officials.

Contention

Throughout the legislative discussions, there may have been differing opinions regarding how the fund should be financed and the sustainability of the surcharge model. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the adequacy of the surcharge in meeting the future financial demands of the fund, also raising questions about the administrative processes in place for determining eligibility and disbursement of funds. As with any legislatively created fund, there are often debates about the long-term implications of such support mechanisms and whether they are indeed sufficient to cover the rising healthcare costs that families face.