Includes both the MomsPRN and PediPRN teleconsultation lines in the healthcare services funding contributions payable by health insurers.

Plain-English Summary

This bill updates Rhode Island's Healthcare Services Funding Plan Act to require health insurers to financially support two telephone consultation services: MomsPRN and PediPRN. These are specialized hotlines where healthcare providers — such as doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff — can call to get expert guidance and advice when caring for patients. MomsPRN focuses on maternal health (supporting care for pregnant women and new mothers), while PediPRN focuses on pediatric health (supporting care for children). Currently, only one or neither of these lines may be included in the funding requirements; this bill adds both.

Under the bill, health insurance companies operating in Rhode Island would be required to contribute money toward keeping both of these teleconsultation lines running as part of their existing obligations under the state's healthcare funding plan. This means the cost of maintaining these expert phone lines would be shared across the insurance industry rather than relying solely on other funding sources. The goal is to ensure that both services have a stable, ongoing source of financial support.

The people most affected by this bill include health insurers, who would take on new or expanded financial responsibilities, and indirectly, patients — particularly pregnant women, new mothers, and children — whose healthcare providers would have better access to expert guidance through these hotlines. Healthcare providers in Rhode Island could also benefit, as they would have more reliable access to specialist consultations to help them make informed care decisions. The bill has been referred to the House Finance Committee for review.