Senator Pearson reintroduces primary care rate review
STATE HOUSE — Sen. Ryan W. Pearson (D-Dist. 19, Cumberland, Lincoln) today reintroduced legislation requiring the Office of Health Insurance Commissioner to conduct a full review of Medicaid rates for primary care services.
A key element of the 2024 Senate healthcare package, senators continue to prioritize primary care as critical to the overall quality and cost management of our healthcare system.
The legislation would require the health insurance commissioner to make recommendations regarding Rhode Island Medicaid rates for primary care services by Sept. 1, 2026 in the same manner as previously completed for social and human services programs. The assembly has prioritized these Medicaid rate recommendations in the budget process over the last several legislative sessions.
Top co-sponsors include health committee leaders Senators Pamela J. Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence), Bridget Valverde (D-Dist. 35, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, South Kingstown), Linda L. Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol) and Alana DiMario (D-Dist. 36, North Kingstown, Narragansett, New Shoreham).
“Most thought leaders agree, the largest barrier to attracting and keeping enough primary care providers in Rhode Island is the lower rates insurance pays for these services particularly compared to our neighbors. Making these rates more competitive will go a long way to making sure every Rhode Islander has access to a primary care provider,” said Senator Lauria.
“Investments in Medicaid over the last several budget cycles have been a top priority. It is imperative we continue the investments now prioritizing primary care. Not only critical to ensure access to primary care services, investments in Medicaid directly improve the financial condition of Rhode Island healthcare networks and control individual and business health care premiums,” said Senator Pearson.
Over 20-million Americans are now facing higher health insurance costs after federal tax subsidies expired at year's end. The average cost of premiums through the Affordable Care Act is now expected to rise by 26-percent across the U.S., though it could be lower in states that run their own marketplace. Millions of people are expected to drop their health insurance because of the price hikes. 
