RI
Rhode Island Senate Bill S0480

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0480

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

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

Impact

The bill significantly impacts existing state laws related to insurance policies by amending the General Laws governing 'Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies'. By enforcing comprehensive coverage for contraceptives, S0480 addresses critical public health concerns regarding access to reproductive health services. Furthermore, it prohibits insurers from imposing deductibles or cost-sharing on the listed contraceptive methods, thereby aligning state law with broader public health objectives aimed at improving women's health outcomes.

Summary

Bill S0480 proposes to mandate health insurance coverage for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and therapeutic equivalents. This legislation aims to ensure that contraceptive methods are accessible without cost-sharing requirements, thus reducing financial barriers for patients seeking reproductive health services. In addition to covering contraceptives, the bill includes provisions for emergency contraception available over-the-counter, voluntary female sterilization procedures, and the requirement for patient education and counseling regarding contraception usage. The implementation of this coverage is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Contention

There may be contention surrounding the bill, particularly from various stakeholders in the healthcare and insurance sectors. Some opponents may argue that mandating comprehensive contraceptive coverage could impose undue burdens on insurance providers, especially regarding cost management. Furthermore, debates may arise around the provision of contraceptives for reasons beyond birth control, including for conditions such as ovarian cancer prevention and menopause symptom management, potentially leading to discussions about the scope and interpretation of health insurance mandates.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S2088

Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2025, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.

RI H7255

Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2025, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.

RI S0562

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

RI H5477

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

RI S0023

Individual Health Insurance Coverage

RI H5426

Individual Health Insurance Coverage

RI S2617

Adds a new section which sets forth conditions for pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation/drug therapies, programs approved by the state board of pharmacy. The cessation therapies would be covered by all health insurance carriers on or after 1/1/25.

RI H7445

Adds a new section which sets forth conditions for pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation/drug therapies, programs approved by the state board of pharmacy. The cessation therapies would be covered by all health insurance carriers on or after 1/1/25.

RI S2715

Mandates health insurance coverage to include transportation for emergency services by ambulance or rescue.

RI H8218

Mandates health insurance coverage to include transportation for emergency services by ambulance or rescue.

Similar Bills

RI H5626

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

RI S2327

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

ME LD2203

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

NJ S3434

Clarifies coverage requirements for health insurers of over-the-counter contraceptive drugs.

RI H7631

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

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 S2088

Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2025, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.

RI H7255

Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2025, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.