Longer wait times, provider shortages, and overcrowded emergency departments are becoming the norm. Inadequate Medicaid funding, uncompetitive commercial rates, and a strained workforce are driving these challenges—threatening access to care and the stability of critical health services across the state.

HARI supports the following legislation which aims to improve access to care,  enhance the state’s ability to recruit and retain physicians and advanced practice providers, prevent unnecessary hospital and ER visits, and strengthen the financial stability of the state's healthcare system :

• S.0873/H.5790 - A joint resolution sponsored by Senator Jacob Bissaillon and Representative Thomas Noret proposes a $90 million appropriation in state general revenue to increase physician and advanced practice provider reimbursement rates in Rhode Island’s Medicaid program. As Rhode Island faces significant challenges in physician recruitment and retention due to low reimbursement rates, this investment aims to improve provider sustainability and prevent avoidable hospitalizations and emergency department use. 
• S.0681/H.5832 - Sponsored by Senator V. Susan Sosnowski and Representative Teresa Tanzi, this legislation is a strategic initiative to enhance Rhode Island's commercial health care reimbursement rates, aligning them more competitively with neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut. The legislation preserves essential cost control mechanisms through existing hospital and population contract rate caps, while providing a temporary two-percentage-point increase to these caps for three years. 
• S.0848/H.6095 - Sponsored by Senator David Tikoian and Representative David Bennett, this legislation would increase Managed Medicaid payments for hospitals in Rhode Island through an expansion of the hospital Managed Medicaid State Directed Payment program. This approach maximizes federal matching funds, ensuring hospitals receive critical financial support to maintain and enhance essential healthcare services.