2024 -- H 7877

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LC005359

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

     Introduced By: Representatives Alzate, Felix, Tanzi, Giraldo, Stewart, Kislak, Cruz,
Fogarty, and Boylan

     Date Introduced: March 04, 2024

     Referred To: House Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Sections 27-18-30 and 27-18-52 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-18

entitled "Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies" are hereby amended to read as follows:

     27-18-30. Health insurance contracts — Infertility.

     (a) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered or issued for delivery or

renewed in this state, except contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare or other

governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide coverage for

medically necessary expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women between the ages

of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) years, including preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in

conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF), and for standard fertility-preservation services when a

medically necessary medical treatment may directly or indirectly cause iatrogenic infertility to a

covered person. To the extent that a health insurance contract provides reimbursement for a test or

procedure used in the diagnosis or treatment of conditions other than infertility, the tests and

procedures shall not be excluded from reimbursement when provided attendant to the diagnosis

and treatment of infertility for women between the ages of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42)

years; provided, that a subscriber co-payment not to exceed twenty percent (20%) may be required

for those programs and/or procedures the sole purpose of which is the treatment of infertility.

     (b) For purposes of this section, “infertility” means the condition of an otherwise

presumably healthy individual who is unable to conceive or sustain a pregnancy during a period of

one year.

     (c) For purposes of this section, “standard fertility-preservation services” means

procedures consistent with established medical practices and professional guidelines published by

the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or

other reputable professional medical organizations.

     (d) For purposes of this section, “iatrogenic infertility” means an impairment of fertility by

surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other medical treatment affecting reproductive organs or

processes.

     (e) For purposes of this section, “may directly or indirectly cause” means treatment with a

likely side effect of infertility as established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine,

the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or other reputable professional organizations.

     (f) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 27-18-19 or any other provision to the contrary,

this section shall apply to blanket or group policies of insurance.

     (g) The health insurance contract may limit coverage to a lifetime cap of one hundred

thousand dollars ($100,000).

     (h) For purposes of this section, "preimplantation genetic testing" or "PGT" means a

technique used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic

disorders prior to their transfer to the uterus.

     (i) Nothing in this section shall preclude an individual, or a couple, including a same-sex

couple, who is otherwise qualified for reimbursement for a test or treatment of infertility.

     27-18-52. Genetic testing.

     (a) Except as provided in chapter 37.3 of title 5, insurance administrators, health plans and

providers shall be prohibited from releasing genetic information without prior written authorization

of the individual. Written authorization shall be required for each disclosure and include to whom

the disclosure is being made. An exception shall exist for those participating in research settings

governed by the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Research Subjects (also known as

“The Common Rule”). Tests conducted purely for research are excluded from the definition, as are

tests for somatic (as opposed to heritable) mutations, and testing for forensic purposes.

     (b) No individual or group health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered, issued for

delivery, or renewed in this state which provides health insurance medical coverage that includes

coverage for physician services in a physician’s office, and every policy which provides major

medical or similar comprehensive-type coverage excluding disability income, long term care and

insurance supplemental policies which only provide coverage for specified diseases or other

supplemental policies, shall:

     (1) Use a genetic test or request for genetic tests or the results of a genetic test to reject,

LC005359 - Page 2 of 12

deny, limit, cancel, refuse to renew, increase the rates of, affect the terms or conditions of, or affect

a group or an individual health insurance policy, contract, or plan;

     (2) Request or require a genetic test for the purpose of determining whether or not to issue

or renew an individual’s health benefits coverage, to set reimbursement/co-pay levels or determine

covered benefits and services;

     (3) Release the results of a genetic test without the prior written authorization of the

individual from whom the test was obtained, except in a format whereby individual identifiers are

removed, encrypted, or encoded so that the identity of the individual is not disclosed. A recipient

of information pursuant to this section may use or disclose this information solely to carry out the

purpose for which the information was disclosed. Authorization shall be required for each

redisclosure; an exception shall exist for participating in research settings governed by the Federal

Policy for the Protection of Human Research Subjects (also known as “The Common Rule”).

     (4) Request or require information as to whether an individual has ever had a genetic test,

or participated in genetic testing of any kind, whether for clinical or research purposes.

     (c) For the purposes of this section, “genetic testing” is the analysis of an individual’s DNA,

RNA, chromosomes, proteins and certain metabolites in order to detect heritable disease-related

genotypes, mutations, phenotypes or karyotypes for clinical purposes. Those purposes include

predicting risk of disease, identifying carriers, establishing prenatal and clinical diagnosis or

prognosis. Prenatal, newborn and carrier screening, as well as testing in high risk families may be

included provided there is an approved release by a parent or guardian. Tests for metabolites are

covered only when they are undertaken with high probability that an excess of deficiency of the

metabolite indicates the presence of heritable mutations in single genes. “Genetic testing” does not

mean routine physical measurement, a routine chemical, blood, or urine analysis or a test for drugs

or for HIV infections.

     (d) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered or issued for delivery or

renewed in this state, except contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare or other

governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide coverage for the

expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)

in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF). For purposes of this section:

     (1) "Preimplantation genetic testing" or "PGT" means a technique used in conjunction with

in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic disorders prior to their transfer to the

uterus;

     (2) "Infertility" means the condition of an individual who is unable to cause, conceive or

sustain a pregnancy during a period of one year.

LC005359 - Page 3 of 12

     SECTION 2. Sections 27-19-23 and 27-19-44 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-19

entitled "Nonprofit Hospital Service Corporations" are hereby amended to read as follows:

     27-19-23. Coverage for infertility.

     (a) Any nonprofit hospital service contract, plan, or insurance policies delivered, issued for

delivery, or renewed in this state, except contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare

or other governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide coverage

for medically necessary expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women between the

ages of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) years, including preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)

in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF), and for standard fertility-preservation services when

a medically necessary medical treatment may directly or indirectly cause iatrogenic infertility to a

covered person. To the extent that a nonprofit hospital service corporation provides reimbursement

for a test or procedure used in the diagnosis or treatment of conditions other than infertility, those

tests and procedures shall not be excluded from reimbursement when provided attendant to the

diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women between the ages of twenty-five (25) and forty-

two (42) years; provided, that a subscriber copayment, not to exceed twenty percent (20%), may

be required for those programs and/or procedures the sole purpose of which is the treatment of

infertility.

     (b) For purposes of this section, “infertility” means the condition of an otherwise

presumably healthy individual who is unable to conceive or sustain a pregnancy during a period of

one year.

     (c) For purposes of this section, “standard fertility-preservation services” means

procedures consistent with established medical practices and professional guidelines published by

the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or

other reputable professional medical organizations.

     (d) For purposes of this section, “iatrogenic infertility” means an impairment of fertility by

surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other medical treatment affecting reproductive organs or

processes.

     (e) For purposes of this section, “may directly or indirectly cause” means treatment with a

likely side effect of infertility as established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine,

the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or other reputable professional organizations.

     (f) The health insurance contract may limit coverage to a lifetime cap of one hundred

thousand dollars ($100,000).

     (g) For purposes of this section, "preimplantation genetic testing" or "PGT" means a

technique used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic

LC005359 - Page 4 of 12

disorders prior to their transfer to the uterus.

     (h) Nothing in this section shall preclude an individual, or a couple, including a same-sex

couple, who is otherwise qualified for reimbursement for a test or treatment of infertility.

     27-19-44. Genetic testing.

     (a) Except as provided in chapter 37.3 of title 5, insurance administrators, health plans, and

providers shall be prohibited from releasing genetic information without prior written authorization

of the individual. Written authorization shall be required for each disclosure and include to whom

the disclosure is being made. An exception shall exist for those participating in research settings

governed by the federal policy for the protection of human research subjects (also known as “The

Common Rule”). Tests conducted purely for research are excluded from the definition, as are tests

for somatic (as opposed to heritable) mutations, and testing for forensic purposes.

     (b) No nonprofit health service corporation subject to the provisions of this chapter shall:

     (1) Use a genetic test or request for a genetic test or the results of a genetic test or other

genetic information to reject, deny, limit, cancel, refuse to renew, increase the rates of, affect the

terms or conditions of, or affect a group or an individual’s health insurance policy, contract, or

plan;

     (2) Request or require a genetic test for the purpose of determining whether or not to issue

or renew a group, individual health benefits coverage, to set reimbursement/copay levels, or

determine covered benefits and services;

     (3) Release the results of a genetic test without the prior written authorization of the

individual from whom the test was obtained, except in a format by which individual identifiers are

removed, encrypted, or encoded so that the identity of the individual is not disclosed. A recipient

of information pursuant to this section may use or disclose the information solely to carry out the

purpose for which the information was disclosed. Authorization shall be required for each

redisclosure. An exception shall exist for participation in research settings governed by the federal

policy for the protection of human research subjects (also known as “The Common Rule”); or

     (4) Request or require information as to whether an individual has ever had a genetic test,

or participated in genetic testing of any kind, whether for clinical or research purposes.

     (c) For the purposes of this section, “genetic testing” is the analysis of an individual’s DNA,

RNA, chromosomes, proteins, and certain metabolites in order to detect heritable disease-related

genotypes, mutations, phenotypes, or karyotypes for clinical purposes. These purposes include

predicting risk of disease, identifying carriers, establishing prenatal and clinical diagnosis or

prognosis. Prenatal, newborn, and carrier screening, as well as testing in high-risk families, may be

included provided there is an approved release by a parent or guardian. Tests for metabolites are

LC005359 - Page 5 of 12

covered only when they are undertaken with high probability that an excess of deficiency of the

metabolite indicates the presence of heritable mutations in single genes. “Genetic testing” does not

mean routine physical measurement, a routine chemical, blood, or urine analysis, or a test for drugs

or for HIV infection.

     (d) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered or issued for delivery or

renewed in this state, except contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare or other

governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide coverage for the

expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)

in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF). For purposes of this section:

     (1) "Preimplantation genetic testing" or "PGT" means a technique used in conjunction with

in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic disorders prior to their transfer to the

uterus;

     (2) "Infertility" means the condition of an individual who is unable to cause, conceive or

sustain a pregnancy during a period of one year.

     SECTION 3. Sections 27-20-20 and 27-20-39 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-20

entitled "Nonprofit Medical Service Corporations" are hereby amended to read as follows:

     27-20-20. Coverage for infertility.

     (a) Any nonprofit medical service contract, plan, or insurance policies delivered, issued for

delivery, or renewed in this state, except contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare

or other governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide coverage

for the medically necessary expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women between

the ages of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) years, including preimplantation genetic testing

(PGT) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF), and for standard fertility-preservation

services when a medically necessary medical treatment may directly or indirectly cause iatrogenic

infertility to a covered person. To the extent that a nonprofit medical service corporation provides

reimbursement for a test or procedure used in the diagnosis or treatment of conditions other than

infertility, those tests and procedures shall not be excluded from reimbursement when provided

attendant to the diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women between the ages of twenty-five

(25) and forty-two (42) years; provided, that subscriber copayment, not to exceed twenty percent

(20%), may be required for those programs and/or procedures the sole purpose of which is the

treatment of infertility.

     (b) For purposes of this section, “infertility” means the condition of an otherwise

presumably healthy individual who is unable to conceive or sustain a pregnancy during a period of

one year.

LC005359 - Page 6 of 12

     (c) For purposes of this section, “standard fertility-preservation services” means

procedures consistent with established medical practices and professional guidelines published by

the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or

other reputable professional medical organizations.

     (d) For purposes of this section, “iatrogenic infertility” means an impairment of fertility by

surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other medical treatment affecting reproductive organs or

processes.

     (e) For purposes of this section, “may directly or indirectly cause” means treatment with a

likely side effect of infertility as established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine,

the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or other reputable professional organizations.

     (f) The health insurance contract may limit coverage to a lifetime cap of one hundred

thousand dollars ($100,000).

     (g) For purposes of this section, "preimplantation genetic testing" or "PGT" means a

technique used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic

disorders prior to their transfer to the uterus.

     (h) Nothing in this section shall preclude an individual, or a couple, including a same-sex

couple, who is otherwise qualified for reimbursement for a test or treatment of infertility.

     27-20-39. Genetic testing.

     (a) Except as provided in chapter 37.3 of title 5, insurance administrators, health plans, and

providers shall be prohibited from releasing genetic information without prior written authorization

of the individual. Written authorization shall be required for each disclosure and include to whom

the disclosure is being made. An exception shall exist for those participating in research settings

governed by the federal policy for the protection of human research subjects (also known as “The

Common Rule”). Tests conducted purely for research are excluded from the definition, as are tests

for somatic (as opposed to heritable) mutations, and testing for forensic purposes.

     (b) No nonprofit health insurer subject to the provisions of this chapter shall:

     (1) Use a genetic test or request for a genetic test or the results of a genetic test to reject,

deny, limit, cancel, refuse to renew, increase the rates of, affect the terms or conditions of, or affect

a group or individual’s health insurance policy, contract, or plan;

     (2) Request or require a genetic test for the purpose of determining whether or not to issue

or renew health benefits coverage, to set reimbursement/copay levels, or determine covered

benefits and services;

     (3) Release the results of a genetic test without the prior written authorization of the

individual from whom the test was obtained, except in a format by which individual identifiers are

LC005359 - Page 7 of 12

removed, encrypted, or encoded so that the identity of the individual is not disclosed. A recipient

of information pursuant to this section may use or disclose the information solely to carry out the

purpose for which the information was disclosed. Authorization shall be required for each

redisclosure. An exception shall exist for participation in research settings governed by the federal

policy for the protection of human research subjects (also known as “The Common Rule”); or

     (4) Request or require information as to whether an individual has ever had a genetic test,

or participated in genetic testing of any kind, whether for clinical or research purposes.

     (c) For the purposes of this section, “genetic testing” is the analysis of an individual’s DNA,

RNA, chromosomes, proteins, and certain metabolites in order to detect heritable disease-related

genotypes, mutations, phenotypes, or karyotypes for clinical purposes. Those purposes include

predicting risk of disease, identifying carriers, establishing prenatal and clinical diagnosis or

prognosis. Prenatal, newborn, and carrier screening, as well as testing in high-risk families, may be

included provided there is an approved release by a parent or guardian. Tests for metabolites are

covered only when they are undertaken with high probability that an excess of deficiency of the

metabolite indicates the presence of heritable mutations in single genes. “Genetic testing” does not

mean routine physical measurement, a routine chemical, blood, or urine analysis, or a test for drugs

or for HIV infections.

     (d) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered or issued for delivery or

renewed in this state, except contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare or other

governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide coverage for the

expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)

in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF). For purposes of this section:

     (1) "Preimplantation genetic testing" or "PGT" means a technique used in conjunction with

in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic disorders prior to their transfer to the

uterus;

     (2) "Infertility" means the condition of an individual who is unable to cause, conceive or

sustain a pregnancy during a period of one year.

     SECTION 4. Sections 27-41-33 and 27-41-53 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-41

entitled "Health Maintenance Organizations" are hereby amended to read as follows:

     27-41-33. Coverage for infertility.

     (a) Any health maintenance organization service contract plan or policy delivered, issued

for delivery, or renewed in this state, except a contract providing supplemental coverage to

Medicare or other governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide

coverage for medically necessary expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women

LC005359 - Page 8 of 12

between the ages of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) years, including preimplantation genetic

testing (PGT) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF), and for standard fertility-preservation

services when a medically necessary medical treatment may directly or indirectly cause iatrogenic

infertility to a covered person. To the extent that a health maintenance organization provides

reimbursement for a test or procedure used in the diagnosis or treatment of conditions other than

infertility, those tests and procedures shall not be excluded from reimbursement when provided

attendant to the diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women between the ages of twenty-five

(25) and forty-two (42) years; provided, that subscriber copayment, not to exceed twenty percent

(20%), may be required for those programs and/or procedures the sole purpose of which is the

treatment of infertility.

     (b) For purposes of this section, “infertility” means the condition of an otherwise healthy

individual who is unable to conceive or sustain a pregnancy during a period of one year.

     (c) For purposes of this section, “standard fertility-preservation services” means

procedures consistent with established medical practices and professional guidelines published by

the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or

other reputable professional medical organizations.

     (d) For purposes of this section, “iatrogenic infertility” means an impairment of fertility by

surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other medical treatment affecting reproductive organs or

processes.

     (e) For purposes of this section, “may directly or indirectly cause” means treatment with a

likely side effect of infertility as established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine,

the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or other reputable professional organizations.

     (f) The health insurance contract may limit coverage to a lifetime cap of one hundred

thousand dollars ($100,000).

     (g) For purposes of this section, "preimplantation genetic testing" or "PGT" means a

technique used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic

disorders prior to their transfer to the uterus.

     (h) Nothing in this section shall preclude an individual, or a couple, including a same-sex

couple, who is otherwise qualified for reimbursement for a test or treatment of infertility.

     27-41-53. Genetic testing.

     (a) Except as provided in chapter 37.3 of title 5, insurance administrators, health plans, and

providers shall be prohibited from releasing genetic information without prior written authorization

of the individual. Written authorization shall be required for each disclosure and include to whom

the disclosure is being made. An exception shall exist for those participating in research settings

LC005359 - Page 9 of 12

governed by the federal policy for the protection of human research subjects (also known as “The

Common Rule”). Tests conducted purely for research are excluded from the definition, as are tests

for somatic (as opposed to heritable) mutations, and testing for forensic purposes.

     (b) No health maintenance organization subject to the provisions of this chapter shall:

     (1) Use a genetic test or request for genetic test or the results of a genetic test to reject,

deny, limit, cancel, refuse to renew, increase the rates of, affect the terms or conditions of, or affect

a group or an individual’s health insurance policy contract, or plan;

     (2) Request or require a genetic test for the purpose of determining whether or not to issue

or renew an individual’s health benefits coverage, to set reimbursement/copay levels, or determine

covered benefits and services;

     (3) Release the results of a genetic test without the prior written authorization of the

individual from whom the test was obtained, except in a format where individual identifiers are

removed, encrypted, or encoded so that the identity of the individual is not disclosed. A recipient

of information pursuant to this section may use or disclose the information solely to carry out the

purpose for which the information was disclosed. Authorization shall be required for each re-

disclosure. An exception shall exist for participation in research settings governed by the federal

policy for the protection of human research subjects (also known as “The Common Rule”); or

     (4) Request or require information as to whether an individual has ever had a genetic test,

or participated in genetic testing of any kind, whether for clinical or research purposes.

     (c) For the purposes of this section, “genetic testing” is the analysis of an individual’s DNA,

RNA, chromosomes, protein, and certain metabolites in order to detect heritable inheritable

disease-related genotypes, mutations, phenotypes, or karyotypes for clinical purposes. Those

purposes include predicting risk of disease, identifying carriers, establishing prenatal and clinical

diagnosis or prognosis. Prenatal, newborn, and carrier screening, and testing in high-risk families

may be included provided there is an approved release by a parent or guardian. Tests for metabolites

are covered only when they are undertaken with high probability that an excess or deficiency of the

metabolite indicates the presence of heritable mutations in single genes. “Genetic testing” does not

mean routine physical measurement, a routine chemical, blood, or urine analysis or a test for drugs

or for HIV infections.

     (d) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered or issued for delivery or

renewed in this state, except contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare or other

governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide coverage for the

expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)

in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF). For purposes of this section:

LC005359 - Page 10 of 12

     (1) "Preimplantation genetic testing" or "PGT" means a technique used in conjunction with

in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic disorders prior to their transfer to the

uterus;

     (2) "Infertility" means the condition of an individual who is unable to cause, conceive or

sustain a pregnancy during a period of one year.

     SECTION 5. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2025.

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LC005359

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LC005359 - Page 11 of 12

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

***

     This act would mandate all insurance contracts, plans or policies provide insurance

coverage for the expense of testing and treating infertility, including preimplantation genetic testing

(PGT) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF).

     This act would take effect on January 1, 2025.

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LC005359

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LC005359 - Page 12 of 12