Loading chat...

RI S2811

Bill

Status

Introduced

3/4/2026

Primary Sponsor

Louis Dipalma

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates the Rhode Island Protect Our Healthcare Act of 2026 to provide healthcare services to uninsured residents who cannot afford coverage or pay for their own care

  • Appropriates $53.2 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027) and $109.6 million annually for fiscal year 2028 and thereafter

  • Establishes a 7-member Uninsured Care Board chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, including state health officials and appointees from the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker

  • Creates a 9+ member advisory committee with representatives from community health centers, hospitals, free clinics, primary care providers, behavioral health providers, healthcare advocates, and consumers

  • Authorizes the board to distribute funds to participating hospitals, community health centers, free clinics (including Rhode Island Free Clinic and Clínica Esperanza), and a new Uninsured Health Access Program covering primary care, mental health, specialty care, dental, imaging, labs, and prescription drugs

Legislative Description

Creates a publicly funded program for uninsured individuals requiring on an appropriation of $53,200,000 for fiscal year 2027 and an appropriation of 109,600,000 for fiscal year 2028 and every fiscal year thereafter.

State Affairs And Government

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Senate Finance

3/4/2026

Committee Referrals

Finance3/4/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available