RI S2573

Creates the Rhode Island Comprehensive Health Insurance Program (RICHIP), a single-payer healthcare system covering all qualified Rhode Island residents with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, mental health, prescription drugs, and long-term care services with no copays or deductibles.

Funded through a 10% payroll tax (80% employer-paid, 20% employee-paid), a 10% tax on unearned income (capital gains, dividends, interest), consolidation of existing federal Medicaid/Medicare funds, and state healthcare appropriations into a RICHIP trust fund.

Implements in two phases: Phase One allows RICHIP to acquire or launch a state-owned health insurance company; Phase Two merges this with Medicare and Medicaid programs after obtaining necessary federal waivers.

Raises Medicaid reimbursement rates to Medicare-equivalent levels (150% of Medicare for outpatient behavioral health), increases nursing facility personal needs allowance from $75 to $200/month, and phases out managed care intermediaries by July 1, 2030.

Includes $850 million in bond referendums for healthcare infrastructure: $300 million for group homes and recovery facilities, $50 million for state hospital improvements, and $500 million for a new University of Rhode Island Medical School.