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SR 873

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $90,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO SUPPORT PHYSICIAN REIMBURSEMENT RATE INCREASES IN THE RHODE ISLAND MEDICAID PROGRAM

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 9 co-sponsors

Presents a $90,000,000 general-revenue appropriation (FY2025-26) to raise Medicaid and state-funded physician and APP reimbursements, boosting access and retention.

05/27/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SR 873

Summary: Joint Resolution SR 873 – Appropriation for Physician Reimbursement Rate Increases (Rhode Island Medicaid)

Overview

SR 873 is a joint resolution proposing a general revenue appropriation of $90,000,000 to Rhode Island’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) for fiscal year 2025-2026. The funds would be used to increase reimbursement rates for physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) participating in the Rhode Island Medicaid program and other state-funded healthcare programs. The resolution emphasizes improving access to care, recruitment and retention of providers, and overall health outcomes.

  • Introduced: March 21, 2025
  • Referred to: Senate Finance
  • Status: May 27, 2025 — Committee recommended the measure be held for further study
  • Sponsors: Senators Bissaillon, DiPalma, Tikoian, Lawson, Sosnowski, Murray, Urso, Britto, DiMario, and Burke

Purpose and Rationale

  • Addresses concerns about access to care in Rhode Island by ensuring physicians and APPs are fairly reimbursed.
  • Cites voter experiences with healthcare access challenges and difficulties in scheduling specialists to frame the need for improved reimbursement.
  • Aims to support the healthcare workforce (including primary care, pediatrics, and nurse practitioners) by reducing reimbursement-related impediments to practice and retention.
  • Seeks to reduce long-term costs by preventing avoidable hospitalizations and ER visits through better access to timely care.

Key Provisions

  • Appropriation: $90,000,000 of general revenue (for FY 2025-2026) to the EOHHS.
  • Use of funds: To increase reimbursement rates for all physicians and advanced practice providers, including primary care physicians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and other APPs.
  • Administration: EOHHS would administer the appropriation and oversee disbursement to ensure rate adjustments are implemented across Medicaid and other applicable state-funded programs.
  • Scope: Applies to Medicaid and other state-funded healthcare programs as relevant to physician/APP reimbursement.

Fiscal and Administrative Details

  • Source of funds: General Revenue of the State of Rhode Island.
  • Fiscal year: 2025-2026.
  • Implementing agency: Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
  • Oversight: Administer and disburse funds to enact physician/APP reimbursement rate increases across target programs.

Affected Parties

  • Physicians and advanced practice providers (including primary care, pediatrics, nurse practitioners, etc.) who participate in Rhode Island Medicaid or related programs.
  • Medicaid recipients and Rhode Island residents who rely on Medicaid-funded services.
  • Healthcare facilities and systems participating in Medicaid and state-funded programs.

Procedural Timeline and Context

  • Introduced: March 21, 2025.
  • Hearing/Consideration: Scheduled in May 2025 (hearing/consideration noted for May 27, 2025).
  • Latest Status: 05/27/2025 — Committee recommended measure be held for further study (i.e., awaiting further analysis or potential amendment before floor action).

Notes for Readers

  • This is a joint resolution proposing a targeted, one-year appropriation (FY 2025-2026). Its passage would primarily depend on legislative action to approve the general revenue funds and authorize disbursement by EOHHS.
  • As a resolution, it focuses on funding rather than creating new permanent statutory requirements, though it would directly affect reimbursement practices within Medicaid and related programs for the 2025-26 period.

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

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