RI H7823

Establishes "RICare," a universal single-payer healthcare system providing coverage to all Rhode Island residents regardless of income, assets, or health status, with no premiums, deductibles, co-pays, or co-insurance

Creates a 16-member RICare Board within the Department of Health to oversee implementation, set payment rates for healthcare professionals (base rate of 150% of Medicare rates), develop benefit packages, and propose annual three-year budgets to the legislature

Covers comprehensive benefits including primary care, hospital services, mental health, prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, reproductive healthcare, gender affirming care, long-term care, and telehealth services

Requires federal waivers under ACA Section 1332 before implementation, along with enacted financing legislation and board certification that the system will be financially sustainable and not harm the state economy

Prohibits the Department of Health from contracting with private entities to administer claims, design benefits, or provide customer service, and requires preferential hiring of workers displaced from health insurance companies due to administrative simplification