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HB 7310

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julie Casimiro and 9 co-sponsors

Expands maternity coverage and postpartum support by extending Medicaid/RIte Start eligibility, creating a payor of last resort, and enhancing coordinated services for pregnant ind

05/05/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 7310

Summary of HB 7310 (Rhode Island, 2026) — Health Care for Children and Pregnant Women

Purpose and Intent

HB 7310 aims to expand and enhance medical coverage and related services for pregnant individuals, as well as eligible children and families, by adjusting state and federal health program parameters. The bill seeks to:
- Expand Medicaid/RIte Start coverage for pregnant persons with incomes between 185% and 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
- Establish a payor of last resort program to cover maternity care for those not eligible for existing Medicaid programs.
- Provide enhanced, coordinated services for pregnant persons.
- Extend postpartum/extended family planning services and ensure continuity of benefits through the postpartum period.
- Mandate self-measured blood pressure monitoring (including provision of home monitors and related training and support) for eligible pregnant/postpartum individuals, funded with state money if federal funds are unavailable.

Key Provisions

1) Medicaid Expansion for Pregnancy (Sections 42-12.3-3(a))

  • The Director of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is authorized to amend the Title XIX (Medicaid) and Title XXI (RIte Start) state plans.
  • Target population: pregnant individuals with family income between 185% and 250% of the federal poverty level.
  • Purpose: provide expanded medical assistance coverage under the Medicaid/RIte Start framework with appropriate regulations to implement the amendment.

2) Payor of Last Resort for Maternity Care (Section 42-12.3-3(b))

  • Establish a payor of last resort program to cover prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care for:
    • Individuals who lack health insurance for maternity care.
    • Individuals not eligible for Medicaid programs under Title XIX/XXI.
    • Includes, but is not limited to, noncitizen pregnant individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence after Aug 22, 1996.
  • No requirement for federal financial participation (FFP); state funds may be used as needed.
  • Regulation development required to specify eligibility, covered services, administration, referrals, outreach, and public education.

3) Cooperative Agreements (Section 42-12.3-3(c))

  • EOHHHS may enter agreements with the Department of Health and/or other state agencies to deliver services to eligible individuals under subsections (a) and (b).

4) Covered Services (Section 42-12.3-3(d))

  • Prenatal and postpartum care.
  • Delivery and cesarean section.
  • Newborn hospital care.
  • Inpatient transportation between facilities when medically authorized.
  • Prescription medications and laboratory tests.

5) Enhanced Services (Section 42-12.3-3(e))

  • Care coordination, nutrition and social services counseling, high-risk obstetrical care, childbirth and parenting education, smoking cessation, outpatient drug/alcohol counseling, interpreter services, mental health services, and home visitation.
  • Expanded services available to pregnant persons eligible for Medicaid/RIte Start, subject to appropriations. The department may limit services if funding is inadequate.

6) Extended Family Planning (Section 42-12.3-3(f))

  • Provide extended family planning services for up to 24 months postpartum.
  • Available to people eligible for RIte Start or Medicaid/Title XIX/XXI.

7) Coverage Through Postpartum Period (Section 42-12.3-3(g))

  • As of Oct 1, 2022, RIte Start or Medicaid-eligible pregnant individuals (including during retroactive eligibility) are eligible for full Medicaid benefits through the end of the 12-month postpartum period.
  • Federal participation should be maximized; state funds used only if FFP is unavailable.

8) Pregnancy Termination Services (Section 42-12.3-3(h))

  • Individuals eligible for RIte Start or Medicaid Title XIX/XXI are entitled to services for allowed terminations of pregnancy, but no federal funds may be used for such services except as allowed by federal law.

9) Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring (Section 42-12.3-3(i))

  • EOHHHS must provide self-measured blood pressure monitoring for pregnant and postpartum eligible individuals.
  • Services include home blood pressure monitors, training, data transmission, interpretation, and delivery of co-interventions (education, behavioral/medication management).
  • Coverage to be provided without regard to FFP availability; maximize use of federal funds where available; state funds only if FFP is not available.

10) Effective Date

  • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Pregnant individuals and postpartum persons eligible for RIte Start or Medicaid (Title XIX/XXI), including those with incomes up to 250% FPL and certain noncitizen pregnant individuals.
  • Individuals lacking maternity coverage who would otherwise be uninsured.
  • Eligible families benefiting from extended postpartum and family planning services.
  • Healthcare providers and state agencies coordinating prenatal, delivery, postpartum, and related services.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Referred to House Finance for consideration.
  • Sunset or future funding decisions would depend on appropriations and federal participation, especially for enhanced services and the payor of last resort program.
  • Regulations must be promulgated to implement amendments and programs.

Potential Impact

  • Broadens access to maternity-related health care and postpartum support for low- to moderate-income pregnant individuals.
  • Improves financial protection through expanded Medicaid eligibility and a payor of last resort for those ineligible for Medicaid.
  • Enhances care delivery through care coordination, social services, and mental health support.
  • Promotes ongoing postpartum coverage to safeguard maternal and newborn health.
  • Introduces cost-sharing considerations and reliance on federal funding where available, with state funds as a backstop when necessary.

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

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