A group of Rhode Island State Senators filed Senate Bill 2567 today, proposing a new statewide universal health coverage program called “RICare” that would replace the current multi-payer model with a publicly financed, publicly administered system.
The measure, titled the Universal and Unified Healthcare System Act, was introduced Feb. 13 and referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. The sponsors are State Senator Meghan Kallman (D), State Senator Melissa Murray (D), State Senator Pamela Lauria (D), State Senator Alana DiMario (D), State Senator Tiara Mack (D), State Senator Bridget Valverde (D), State Senator Linda Ujifusa (D), State Senator Samuel Zurier (D), and State Senator Jonathon Acosta (D).
Under the bill, all Rhode Island residents would be eligible for coverage through a single payment system. The proposal directs state officials to pursue federal waivers so that, to the greatest extent allowed, federal dollars tied to Medicaid, Medicare, RIChild and the health insurance exchange would flow into the new program.
The legislation also spells out a benefits framework that includes primary and preventive care, behavioral health, prescription drugs, dental, vision, long-term care and substance use disorder treatment. It bars premiums and cost-sharing, meaning no deductibles, copays or coinsurance.
RICare would not take effect immediately. The bill ties implementation to several prerequisites, including obtaining key federal waivers, enacting a financing law, approving an initial benefits package, and adopting the appropriations to pay for it.
