RIPIN’s 2022 Legislative Agenda
RIPIN believes that systems of care in Rhode Island should work for the people who rely on them and be driven toward improved and more equitable outcomes.
We’re calling on the General Assembly to pass, and the Governor to enact, the bills listed below during the 2022 legislative session.
Cover All Kids
H7484 (Morales), S2187 (Cano), Governor’s FY23 Budget Article 12, Section 7
All Rhode Island children deserve access to health care. RIPIN supports the Governor’s budget proposal and legislation that will restore access to RIte Care for all income-eligible children, regardless of their immigration status.
Read RIPIN’s testimony in support of Cover All Kids [PDF]
Expand Maternal Health Care
H7290 (Williams), S2202 (Goodwin), Governor’s FY23 Budget Article 12, Section 7
Nearly one-fourth of maternal-related deaths occur more than six weeks after delivery, but many Medicaid enrollees lose their coverage after 60 days postpartum. This contributes to the United States’ unacceptably high maternal mortality rates which fall disproportionately on women of color. RIPIN supports the Governor’s budget proposal and legislation that will extend full Medicaid coverage to 12 months postpartum.
Invest in Early Intervention
H7628 (Giraldo), S2546 (Valverde)
Early Intervention (EI) is critical to the success of infants and toddlers with developmental delays, but reimbursement rates have not increased in 20 years—if rates had kept pace with inflation, they would be 70% higher than they are today. The result is a staffing crisis among EI providers, long wait lists, and families unable to access services. RIPIN supports the passage of legislation that will raise rates and allow providers to hire and retain skilled staff.
Read RIPIN’s testimony in support of Early Intervention funding [PDF]
Establish Rate Review for Community-Based Services
H7180 (Casimiro), S2311 (DiPalma)
Many Rhode Islanders rely on home- and community-based health care services (like in-home nursing and other direct care supports), but reimbursement rates for these services have long failed to keep up with rising costs, leading to an unacceptable lack of access. RIPIN supports legislation that will establish a permanent advisory committee to perform regular rate review and support rate setting for community-based services.