Prohibits healthcare providers and health plans from denying the payment of a medical bill, solely because the bill may have arisen from a third-party claim.

# Summary of Rhode Island Bill: Protection Against Medical Bill Denials Related to Third-Party Claims

This bill would prevent healthcare providers and health insurance plans from refusing to pay a patient's medical bill simply because the treatment might be connected to an injury or illness where another party could be held responsible. For example, if you're hurt in a car accident caused by another driver, your health insurance company couldn't refuse to cover your medical treatment just because the other driver's insurance might ultimately be responsible for paying those costs.

Currently, some patients find themselves caught in a frustrating gap: their health insurer refuses to pay because it says another party's insurance should cover the bill, while the other party's insurance hasn't yet accepted responsibility or is still processing the claim. This can leave patients stuck with large unpaid medical bills and potentially facing collections, even though they have health insurance. This bill aims to close that gap by requiring health plans and providers to process and pay covered medical claims regardless of whether a third-party claim exists.

The bill affects Rhode Island patients, healthcare providers, and health insurance plans. Patients would benefit from having their medical bills paid in a more timely manner without being caught between insurers. Health plans would be required to pay claims they might otherwise delay or deny, though they could still pursue reimbursement from the responsible third party afterward. The bill has already passed the Rhode Island House of Representatives and has been referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee for further consideration.