Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0479

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Requires health insurance plans to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives. Insurers must report utilization and cost data annually. Certain limited benefit policies are exempt.

Impact

The legislation is expected to have significant implications for maternal healthcare access in Rhode Island, enabling more women to consider midwifery as a viable option for childbirth. By mandating coverage for CPM services, the bill promotes the integration of midwifery within the broader healthcare system, potentially leading to improved maternal and infant health outcomes. The bill also requires health insurance providers to annually report the utilization and cost data for CPM services, enhancing transparency and accountability in maternal health expenditure.

Summary

S0479 is a proposed act amending existing Rhode Island insurance laws to include coverage for services provided by licensed certified professional midwives (CPMs). The bill stipulates that all individual or group health insurance contracts issued or renewed from January 1, 2026, must encompass compensation for midwifery services rendered, provided those services are within the CPM's professional competence. This legislative change aims to recognize the contributions of certified professional midwives in maternal health and ensure that their services are reimbursable by health insurance plans, similar to other healthcare providers.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding S0479 may arise from concerns about the impacts on existing healthcare reimbursement structures and the regulatory landscape. Critics may argue regarding the adequacy of midwife training and certification standards, which could lead to debates over ensuring quality care. Moreover, the potential exemptions for certain limited benefit policies may generate discussions about the scope of coverage and the overall effectiveness of the bill in advancing maternal healthcare access for all women in the state.

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 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 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 H6158

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

RI S0263

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

RI H6118

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 S0705

Requires insurance coverage for all community health workers' services to include health and promotion coaching, health education and training, health system navigation and resource coordination services, care planning and follow-up care recommendations.

RI H6117

Requires insurance coverage for all community health workers' services to include health and promotion coaching, health education and training, health system navigation and resource coordination services, care planning and follow-up care recommendations.

AR SB83

To Mandate Coverage For Breast Reconstruction Surgeries; To Require Prior Authorization For Breast Reconstruction Surgeries; And To Establish A Minimum Reimbursement Rate For Breast Reconstruction Surgeries.

AR HB1585

To Provide An Exception From Licensure As A Home Healthcare Service To An Entity That Solely Provides Therapy Services That Are Not Reimbursed By Medicare Part A.

SC H3108

Doulas

RI S0691

Requires individual and group health insurance policies that provide pregnancy-related benefits to cover medically necessary expenses for diagnosis and treatment of infertility and standard fertility-preservation services.

KY HB305

AN ACT relating to health care.

RI H5629

Amends the current law on health insurance coverage for fertility diagnostic care, standard fertility preservation services, and fertility treatment and requires coverage for any medically necessary ovulation-enhancing drugs and medical services.