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

Plain-English Summary

This bill would expand Rhode Island's existing Healthcare Services Funding Plan to include two medical telephone consultation services: MomsPRN and PediPRN. MomsPRN is a teleconsultation line that connects healthcare providers with specialists to help care for pregnant women and new mothers, while PediPRN connects providers with pediatric specialists to assist in caring for children. Currently, health insurers operating in Rhode Island are required to make financial contributions to fund certain healthcare services — this bill would add these two consultation lines to the list of services that insurers must help fund.

The practical effect of this bill is that health insurance companies doing business in Rhode Island would be required to contribute money toward keeping MomsPRN and PediPRN operational. These services are primarily used by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers — especially those in smaller or rural practices — who can call in to get real-time guidance from specialists when treating pregnant patients or children. By securing a dedicated funding source through insurer contributions, the bill aims to help ensure these consultation lines remain available and financially stable.

The bill would most directly affect health insurance companies, which would take on new financial obligations. It would indirectly benefit healthcare providers who rely on these consultation lines, and ultimately patients — particularly pregnant women, new mothers, and children — who may receive better care as a result of their doctors having access to specialist guidance. The bill was recently referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, where it has been recommended for further study.