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RI H8135
Bill
Status
2/27/2026
Primary Sponsor
Julie Casimiro
Click for details
AI Summary
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Requires private health insurers and the state Medicaid program to reimburse nurse practitioners and physician assistants at the same rate as physicians for services within their lawful scope of practice, including primary care and mental health services
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Applies only to providers in "independent practice" who bill insurers using their own name and national provider identifier
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Exempts federally qualified group practice HMOs and insurers that employ providers on non-fee-for-service compensation arrangements
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Prohibits insurers from reducing physician reimbursement rates to comply with the equal pay requirement
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Requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to submit a Medicaid state plan amendment by October 1, 2026, with the act taking effect January 1, 2027
Legislative Description
Requires the state and private health insurers to reimburse claims for healthcare services provided by nurse practitioners and physician assistants at the same amount as the reimbursement paid to a physician performing the service in the area served.
Insurance
Last Action
Introduced, referred to House Health & Human Services
2/27/2026