WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 8175

AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karen Alzate and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island Medicaid will cover and reimburse licensed certified lactation counselors’ lactation services for infants birth to 12 months.

05/05/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 8175

Summary: HB 8175 (Rhode Island, 2026) – AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES — MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Overview

  • Subject: Expands Rhode Island Medicaid coverage to include services provided by licensed certified lactation counselors.
  • Purpose: Ensure Medicaid beneficiaries have access to lactation support services, with appropriate credentialing, reimbursement, and data tracking.
  • Effective date: Upon passage.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition

    • Establishes the term “licensed certified lactation counselor” as a professional licensed and certified by Rhode Island Department of Health under Chapter 13.8 of Title 23.
    • Scope includes assessment, evaluation, problem identification, treatment, education, and consultation for lactation care for childbearing families and infants from birth to 12 months, within the counselor’s licensed scope of practice (as per § 23-13.8-9).

  2. Medicaid Coverage (EOHHS Responsibility)

    • The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) must provide Medicaid coverage for services delivered by licensed certified lactation counselors, provided the services fall within the counselor’s lawful scope and are otherwise eligible under the Medicaid state plan or CMS-approved waivers.

  3. Reimbursement

    • Reimbursement will follow existing Medicaid principles and methodologies for comparable maternal and child health providers.
    • No additional supervision, physician signatures, or referrals are required beyond what is already imposed for the same service by other providers (i.e., parity with similar providers).

  4. Regulatory Implementation

    • EOHHS to promulgate rules/regulations to implement the act, including credentialing and enrollment requirements for lactation counselors participating as Medicaid providers.

  5. Data Collection and Reporting

    • By July 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, EOHHS must collect and maintain data on:
      • Utilization of lactation counselor services
      • Expenditures related to these services for Medicaid beneficiaries

  6. Preemption

    • The act contains a provision stating that, to the extent of any conflict, its provisions supersede and control over conflicting laws, rules, or regulations.

Who Is Affected

  • Medicaid Beneficiaries (Rhode Island): Infants from birth to 12 months and their families who receive lactation support services.
  • Licensed Certified Lactation Counselors: Providers eligible to offer covered services under Medicaid, subject to credentialing and enrollment requirements.
  • EOHHS/Medicaid Program: Responsible for administration, reimbursement, rulemaking, and data tracking related to lactation counseling services.

Timelines and Procedural Details

  • Rulemaking: EOHHS to promulgate implementing regulations (credentialing, enrollment, and related processes).
  • Data Reporting Start: Data collection and expenditure tracking commence by July 1, 2028, with annual reporting thereafter.
  • Effective Date: The act becomes effective upon passage.

Potential Impact

  • Access to Care: Potentially improves access to lactation support for families, which can influence breastfeeding initiation and duration.
  • Costs: introduces new Medicaid expenditures related to reimbursement for lactation counseling services; the extent depends on utilization and the defined reimbursement rates.
  • Workforce: Creates a pathway for credentialed lactation counselors to participate as Medicaid providers, potentially expanding the provider pool.
  • Data-Driven Oversight: Establishes ongoing data collection to assess utilization and financial impact, informing future program decisions.

Note

  • The bill emphasizes parity with other maternal/child health providers in terms of reimbursement and supervision requirements.
  • It is introduced in the Rhode Island House and referred to the House Finance Committee for consideration. A scheduled hearing/consideration was noted for May 5, 2026.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.