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SB 2562

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE HEALTHCARE SERVICES FUNDING PLAN ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 9 co-sponsors

Creates a dedicated funding stream and account (PRN) to expand MomsPRN and PediPRN telehealth mental health services for mothers and children through insurer contributions and an a

06/05/2026 Referred to House Finance
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Bill Summary · SB 2562

Overview

SB 2562, introduced in Rhode Island for the 2026 session, creates modifications to how certain healthcare-related funding is collected from insurers and directs that funding toward expanding telehealth-based pediatric and maternal mental health resources. The bill is titled AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE HEALTHCARE SERVICES FUNDING PLAN ACT and is designed to support MomsPRN and PediPRN teleconsultation programs through a dedicated funding mechanism.

Main purpose and intent

  • To fund expanded mental health and behavioral health resources for children, perinatal patients, and mothers via the MomsPRN and PediPRN teleconsultation lines.
  • To add these telehealth programs (MomsPRN and PediPRN) to the list of healthcare services supported by a state contribution from insurers.
  • To create a dedicated appropriation/account (PRN account) for these resources and require annual reporting on program costs and funding needs.

Key provisions and changes

  • Imposition of healthcare services funding contribution:
    • Insurers must pay a contributing amount for each contribution enrollee, calculated annually.
    • The annual contribution amount is determined by the secretary as the sum of:
    • The child immunization funding requirement described in § 23-1-46
    • The adult immunization funding requirement described in § 23-1-46
    • The children's health services funding requirement described in § 42-12-29
    • Divided by the total number of contribution enrollees across all insurers
    • This contribution is in addition to other lawful fees or assessments.
    • Self-insured plans using a third-party administrator are exempt for enrollees where the third party has already contributed or will contribute for that enrollee.

  • Additional 2026 assessment for PRN programs:

    • Beginning calendar year 2026, an additional assessment of $30,000,000 (total) is added to support primary care and other critical healthcare programs, including MomsPRN and PediPRN, deposited into general revenues.

  • Creation and management of the Psychiatry Resource Network (PRN) account:

    • Establishes a restricted-receipt account within the general fund called the PRN account.
    • Funds in the PRN account are dedicated to the PRN programs (PediPRN, MomsPRN) and related pediatric/perinatal mental health services and referrals.
    • Annual funding for the PRN account is determined as:
    • Projected DHHS/Department of Health costs for the PRN services, plus
    • A 10% contingency for unexpected expenses, minus
    • Any projected carryover of excess funds from prior assessments.
    • The Department of Health must provide an annual report to the General Assembly by February 1 each year and provide insurers with program cost details upon request.
    • The PRN program is exempt from indirect cost recovery provisions.

  • Establishment of the PRN program under Maternal and Child Health Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs:

    • Adds a new statute (23-13-27) to authorize statewide operation of MomsPRN and PediPRN, funded subject to appropriation and potential revenues under § 42-7.4-3.
    • States the PRN program is exempt from indirect cost recovery provisions.

Who is affected

  • Health insurers that issue contribution enrollment health plans:
    • Face annual healthcare services funding contributions calculated as described, plus the existing immunization-based funding requirements.
  • Self-insured plans with third-party administrators:
    • Exempt for enrollees where the third party has already paid or will pay the contribution for that enrollee.
  • Department of Health:
    • Manages the PRN account and oversees the Psychiatry Resource Network programs, including PediPRN and MomsPRN.
  • Rhode Island residents, particularly:
    • Children, perinatal patients, and mothers who rely on teleconsultation lines (MomsPRN and PediPRN) for mental health support and referrals.
  • General Assembly:
    • Receives annual reporting on program costs and funding, and has visibility into program operations and costs.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.
  • Funding timeline:
    • The base funding mechanism existed prior to 2026; starting in 2026, there is an explicit additional $30 million annual revenue to support PRN programs, deposited to general revenues.
  • Reporting:
    • The Department of Health must submit an annual report to the General Assembly by February 1 of each year detailing program and cost information.
    • Insurers can request detailed cost information related to the PRN programs.
  • Administrative provisions:
    • The PRN account is a restricted fund, and the program is exempt from indirect cost recovery provisions, aiming to ensure more direct allocation to service programs.

Potential impact

  • Increased funding for pediatric and perinatal mental health resources via teleconsultation lines, potentially improving access to psychiatric consultation for primary care and maternal health providers.
  • A dedicated funding stream may enhance program stability and forecasting for MomsPRN and PediPRN.
  • Insurer contributions may shift some cost burden to contribute enrollees, though exemptions exist for certain self-funded plans using third-party administrators.
  • Greater transparency via annual DHHS reporting and insurer access to cost data.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law or outline specific fiscal implications based on potential enrollment and existing immunization funding levels.

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

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