Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5626

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Mandates health insurance coverage for FDA approved contraceptive drug, device or therapeutic equivalent.

Impact

The enactment of HB 5626 has significant implications for state laws regarding health insurance. By mandating comprehensive coverage for contraceptives, the bill aims to eliminate barriers that women often face in accessing reproductive health services. This move is expected to promote public health by reducing unintended pregnancies and supporting women’s health across various stages of life. The legislation aligns with broader public health objectives of providing equitable access to essential health services and empowering women in making informed choices about their reproductive health.

Summary

House Bill 5626 mandates that health insurance policies in Rhode Island must cover a range of contraceptive drugs, devices, and therapeutic equivalents that are approved by the FDA. The legislation not only encompasses emergency contraception but also requires coverage for voluntary female sterilization procedures. Importantly, the bill ensures that these contraceptive options do not incur any out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance for the insured individuals. This policy is designed to enhance access to reproductive health options for women and families throughout the state.

Contention

Although the bill is largely supported by advocates for women's rights and reproductive health, there may be notable contention surrounding the extent of insurance coverage mandated by the legislation. Critics of such bills often raise concerns about potential financial impacts on health insurers, suggesting that mandated coverage could lead to increased premiums. There may also be discussions about the implications of healthcare freedom, with some opposing the mandate on the basis of personal freedom regarding health decisions and the role of government in regulating healthcare provisions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5628

Mandates all health insurance contracts, plans, or policies provide the same reimbursement to independent healthcare facilities as that of hospital affiliated facilities where the same healthcare service is provided.

RI S0051

Limits copays, coinsurance or office deductibles for services of a physical therapist to the amount authorized for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath on or after January 1, 2026.

RI H5082

Limits copays, coinsurance or office deductibles for services of a physical therapist to the amount authorized for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath on or after January 1, 2026.

RI H6158

Mandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling treatments for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatments.

RI H6118

Requires coverage for acute mental health crisis mobile response and stabilization services to eligible individuals enrolled as plan beneficiaries.

RI S0263

Requires coverage for acute mental health crisis mobile response and stabilization services to eligible individuals enrolled as plan beneficiaries.

RI S0115

Requires health plans that provide prescription benefits to cover at least one type of glucagon auto-injector, nasal spray, or formulation that does not require reconstitution to treat hypoglycemia. No copayment or deductible would be required.

RI H5173

Requires health plans that provide prescription benefits to cover at least one type of glucagon auto-injector, nasal spray, or formulation that does not require reconstitution to treat hypoglycemia. No copayment or deductible would be required.

Similar Bills

RI S0480

Mandates health insurance coverage for FDA approved contraceptive drug, device or therapeutic equivalent.

RI H6047

Mandates all health insurance contracts from January 1, 2026, to cover FDA-approved contraceptives, sterilization, contraception counseling, follow-up services, and a twelve-month supply for Medicaid recipients.

RI S0268

Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2026, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.

ME LD163

An Act to Require Health Insurance Coverage for Federally Approved Nonprescription Oral Hormonal Contraceptives and Nonprescription Emergency Contraceptives

WV HB2750

Increasing access to contraceptive drugs, devices, and procedures

IL HB3489

PHARMACISTS-CONTRACEPTIVES

VA HB2371

Health insurance; coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices.

VA SB780

Health insurance; coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices.