2022 -- H 6647

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LC003540

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MEDICAL INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR EPINEPHRINE

INJECTORS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives McGaw, Vella-Wilkinson, Baginski, Fellela, Alzate,
Shekarchi, Kislak, Ackerman, Ajello, and Cassar

     Date Introduced: January 06, 2022

     Referred To: House Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 27-18 of the General Laws entitled "Accident and Sickness Insurance

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Policies" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     27-18-89. Epinephrine injectors.

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     (a) The Rhode Island general assembly recognizes that epinephrine cartridges and injectors

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are life-saving devices which must be administered quickly to be effective. Such administration is

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often done by persons who are not health care professionals, and is done in an emergency situation.

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Accordingly, it is in the best interests of the people of the state to promote the widespread

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availability of epinephrine cartridges and injectors.

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     (b) Every individual or group health insurance contract, plan, or policy that provides

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prescription coverage and that is delivered, issued for delivery, prescribed, or renewed in this state

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on or after January 1, 2023, shall provide coverage for prescribed epinephrine injectors and

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cartridges. There shall be no copayment required, and no deductible shall need to be met, to obtain

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a prescribed epinephrine injector or cartridge.

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     SECTION 2. Chapter 27-19 of the General Laws entitled "Nonprofit Hospital Service

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Corporations" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     27-19-81. Epinephrine injectors.

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     (a) The Rhode Island general assembly recognizes that epinephrine cartridges and injectors

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are life-saving devices which must be administered quickly to be effective. Such administration is

 

1

often done by persons who are not health care professionals, and is done in an emergency situation.

2

Accordingly, it is in the best interests of the people of the state to promote the widespread

3

availability of epinephrine cartridges and injectors.

4

     (b) Every individual or group health insurance contract, plan, or policy that provides

5

prescription coverage and that is delivered, issued for delivery, prescribed, or renewed in this state

6

on or after January 1, 2023, shall provide coverage for prescribed epinephrine injectors and

7

cartridges. There shall be no copayment required, and no deductible shall need to be met, to obtain

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a prescribed epinephrine injector or cartridge.

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     SECTION 3. Chapter 27-20 of the General Laws entitled "Nonprofit Medical Service

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Corporations" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     27-20-77. Epinephrine injectors.

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     (a) The Rhode Island general assembly recognizes that epinephrine cartridges and injectors

13

are life-saving devices which must be administered quickly to be effective. Such administration is

14

often done by persons who are not health care professionals, and is done in an emergency situation.

15

Accordingly, it is in the best interests of the people of the state to promote the widespread

16

availability of epinephrine cartridges and injectors.

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     (b) Every individual or group health insurance contract, plan, or policy that provides

18

prescription coverage and that is delivered, issued for delivery, prescribed, or renewed in this state

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on or after January 1, 2023, shall provide coverage for prescribed epinephrine injectors and

20

cartridges. There shall be no copayment required, and no deductible shall need to be met, to obtain

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a prescribed epinephrine injector or cartridge.

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     SECTION 4. Chapter 27-41 of the General Laws entitled "Health Maintenance

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Organizations" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     27-41-94. Epinephrine injectors.

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     (a) The Rhode Island general assembly recognizes that epinephrine cartridges and injectors

26

are life-saving devices which must be administered quickly to be effective. Such administration is

27

often done by persons who are not health care professionals, and is done in an emergency situation.

28

Accordingly, it is in the best interests of the people of the state to promote the widespread

29

availability of epinephrine cartridges and injectors.

30

     (b) Every individual or group health insurance contract, plan, or policy that provides

31

prescription coverage and that is delivered, issued for delivery, prescribed, or renewed in this state

32

on or after January 1, 2023, shall provide coverage for prescribed epinephrine injectors and

33

cartridges. There shall be no copayment required, and no deductible shall need to be met, to obtain

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a prescribed epinephrine injector or cartridge.

 

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     SECTION 5. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MEDICAL INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR EPINEPHRINE

INJECTORS

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     This act would require group health plans and health insurance issuers that provide

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prescription benefits to cover prescribed epinephrine injectors and cartridges. No copayment or

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deductible would be required to obtain a prescribed epinephrine injector or cartridge.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC003540 - Page 4 of 4