RI H7627

Children with developmental disabilities whose third birthday falls between May 1 and August 31 would be allowed to continue receiving early intervention services until September 1 after turning three, eliminating the current service gap before preschool special education begins

EOHHS and the Department of Education must create an implementation plan by July 1, 2026, with full implementation required by January 1, 2028

An implementation advisory committee must be established, including state coordinators, early intervention providers, local education agencies, advocates, and parents of children who recently transitioned from early intervention

Private health insurers would be required to cover early intervention services for children over age three who qualify under the extension, with reimbursement rates at or above the prevailing Medicaid rate

Six states (CO, CT, IL, MD, MO, TN) and DC have already implemented similar federally-approved extension frameworks; the federal government reserves 15% of Part C appropriations exceeding $460 million for states with approved extension options