WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 7400

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF THE SUM OF $118,422 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PARENT INFORMATION NETWORK TO CONTINUE THE OPERATION OF THE RIPIN DUAL OBUDSMAN PROGRAM

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Baginski and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island allocates general revenue funds to continue the RIPIN Dual Ombudsman Program for 2027, leveraging federal match to aid dual-eligible enrollees navigating Medicare-M Me

05/05/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 7400

Summary of HR 7400 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

Joint Resolution making an appropriation of the sum of $118,422 to the Rhode Island Parent Information Network to continue the operation of the RIPIN Dual Ombudsman Program.

Purpose and Intent

  • To appropriate general revenue funds to RIPIN (Rhode Island Parent Information Network) to continue operating the RIPIN Dual Ombudsman Program for the 2027 fiscal year.
  • The goal is to maintain a dedicated resource to assist Medicare-MMedicaid dual-eligible enrollees (duals) navigating complex coverage, enrollment, and access issues as Rhode Island undergoes significant changes to its duals delivery system.

Background and Context

  • Rhode Island has approximately 40,000 dual-eligible individuals (Medicare and Medicaid enrollees).
  • Coordination between Medicare and Medicaid has been historically challenging, with complex coverage and potential disruptions during transitions.
  • The state’s duals program has undergone recent and ongoing transitions:
    • CMS withdrawal of support for the existing Medicare-M Medicaid Plan (MMP) Neighborhood Integrity plan at the end of 2025.
    • Transition to a Fully-Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (FIDE-SNP) and related system reforms.
    • A 2023 procurement process for Medicaid Managed Care that would have integrated Medicare and Medicaid, later canceled, contributing to ongoing uncertainty.
  • RIPIN has operated the RIPIN Dual Ombudsman Program since 2016 to help duals with enrollment rules, redeterminations, plan issues, provider disputes, and access to benefits.

Key Provisions and Provisions Details

  • Appropriation: $118,422 in general revenue for the fiscal year 2027 to RIPIN to continue the RIPIN Dual Ombudsman Program.
  • Federal Matching: The bill notes that the appropriation is intended to be matched by federal Medicaid funds (i.e., leveraging federal dollars to support the program).
  • Administration: The funds would be administered by the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC). The bill language indicates that the state controller would draw the payments upon proper vouchers.
  • Current Funding Context:
    • RIPIN Dual Ombudsman program is funded with Medicaid administrative matching (half federal, half state) totaling $236,844 all funds annually, with $118,422 of that from general revenue for 2025.
    • The program serves hundreds of clients and has demonstrated cost savings and high client satisfaction.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Primary: Rhode Island dual-eligible enrollees (duals) who rely on RIPIN for assistance navigating Medicare and Medicaid enrollment, redeterminations, claims, prior authorizations, access to care, and other related benefits.
  • RIPIN: As the operator of the Dual Ombudsman Program, RIPIN would receive continued funding and oversight.
  • Rhode Island Department/Agency Partners: Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner would administer the funds; state treasury/Controller would process payments.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: January 28, 2026.
  • Referred to: House Finance.
  • Schedule: The bill was placed on a hearing/consideration timeline (action history shows an upcoming hearing as of May 1, 2026).
  • Fiscal Year Coverage: The appropriation is for the fiscal year 2027, with the expectation that federal Medicaid funds would match the state general revenue appropriation.

Potential Impact

  • Maintains a critical support resource for dual-eligible Rhode Island residents during a period of significant transition in managed care for duals.
  • Aims to prevent loss of essential assistance during plan migrations and potential advertising/marketing changes in Medicare plans.
  • Could help maintain continuity of care, protect access to services, and sustain cost savings generated by the program (noted to exceed $2.1 million in healthcare costs saved since 2018).

Notes

  • The Governor’s proposed FY 2027 budget reportedly contemplated terminating RIPIN Dual Ombudsman funding, making this appropriation particularly significant as a countermeasure to preserve the program.
  • The bill emphasizes alignment with EOHHS mission to provide a responsive, equitable health and human services system.

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

Sign in to ask a question.