RIPIN’s 2023 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.
Our 2023 legislative priorities focus on policy that will help Rhode Islanders of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds in the areas of Special Education, Health Care, and Healthy Aging.
Special Education
Strengthen Parental Engagement in the IEP Process
H5772 (Kislak), S0180 (DiMario)
Parents want more meaningful engagement when it comes to their children’s IEP. RIPIN supports legislation that requires schools to provide IEP documents to parents at least seven days before any IEP meeting, guarantees parents’ rights to observe programs and placements proposed for their child, and restores the requirement that schools obtain written parental consent before making changes to a student’s IEP.
Learn more about this IEP legislation
Increase Funding for Special Education
Governor McKee’s FY24 Budget
Too many Rhode Island schools are under-resourced, a problem that disproportionally impacts students with disabilities. RIPIN supports increased state aid for education and increased funding for special education included in the Governor’s proposed budget.
Health Care
Reform Reimbursement Rates for Cedar Family Centers
Governor McKee’s FY24 Budget
Cedar Family Centers provide comprehensive care coordination and support to families of children with special health care needs. RIPIN supports the Governor’s budget proposal to reform the reimbursement rate model and ensure the sustainability of this critical program.
Cap Out-of-Pocket Costs on Specialty Drugs
H5350 (Morales), S0726 (Valverde)
Patients with chronic conditions shouldn’t have to worry about being able to afford their medicine. RIPIN supports legislation that would cap the out-of-pocket cost for specialty drugs at $150 for a thirty-day supply.
Healthy Aging
Disregard Social Security COLAs for Benefit Eligibility
H5994 (Morales)
Older adults who rely on Medicaid shouldn’t lose their coverage as a result of cost-of-living adjustments to their Social Security. RIPIN supports legislation that would disregard Social Security COLAs when determining eligibility for Medicaid and SNAP benefits.
Expand Access to Medicare Premium Payment Programs
H5797 (Alzate), S0798 (Cano)
RIPIN supports legislation to raise the income limits and eliminate asset tests for the three Medicare Premium Payment Programs, which will allow more low-income older adults access to affordable health care.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can help advocate for these policies, contact Mark Gray at [email protected].