Rhode Island House Bill H5568

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25

Caption

Includes members of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce in the exclusion of premium rates for the Rhode Island Builders’ Association.

Impact

If enacted, H5568 will directly modify how health insurance carriers calculate premium rates for small employers, potentially leading to more consistent rate structures that could facilitate better access to health insurance. The inclusion of members from the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce in these exclusions may promote a fairer competitive landscape, encouraging more small businesses to provide health insurance to their employees without facing excessive premiums typically associated with industries like construction.

Summary

House Bill H5568 seeks to amend existing legislation related to the Small Employer Health Insurance Availability Act in Rhode Island. The primary objective of this bill is to modify premium rate structures for small employers by including members of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce in the exclusion of premium rates that apply specifically to members of the Rhode Island Builders' Association. This change is intended to ensure that small employers across different sectors can navigate health insurance rates with more equitable conditions.

Contention

Debates surrounding HB H5568 may focus on the implications of including certain business groups in the exclusionary clause for premium rates. Supporters argue that this will bring more stability and fairness to the rates charged to small employers, thereby incentivizing them to offer health benefits. Critics, however, might express concerns that such exclusions could disproportionately benefit specific industries, potentially leaving other small employers at a disadvantage in terms of competitive pricing for health insurance. Overall, the bill's enactment could reshape the small employer health insurance market in significant ways.