RI S2845

Adds First Connections, the state-run home-visiting program for pregnant individuals and families with children up to age 3, as a defined provider under the Rhode Island Family Home-Visiting Act

Expands annual reporting requirements to include 5-year historical data on families served, federal MIECHV funding received and spent, Medicaid billing amounts, and a 3-year funding projection to maximize federal grants

Requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to pursue a Medicaid state plan amendment and increase payment rates for family home visiting services by October 1, 2026, based on the 2025 rate review recommendations

Mandates annual state allocation of minimum funding necessary to draw down maximum available federal MIECHV dollars, addressing Rhode Island's failure to meet the 25% state match requirement in 2024 and 2025

Responds to a 42% decline in First Connections participation (2021-2024) and 32% decline in evidence-based home visiting services, along with closure of 7 home visiting programs since 2021