2024 -- S 2875

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LC005233

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

     

     Introduced By: Senators Quezada, Ujifusa, Cano, Acosta, Mack, DiMario, F. Lombardi,
Lauria, LaMountain, and Tikoian

     Date Introduced: March 22, 2024

     Referred To: Senate 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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     27-18-95. Coverage for interpreter services.

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     Every individual or group health insurance contract, or every individual or group hospital

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or medical expense insurance policy, plan, or group policy delivered, issued for delivery, or

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renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2025, shall provide coverage for a qualified interpreter

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in connection with all services provided to every non-English speaker who is a patient or seeks

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appropriate care and treatment and the interpreter services shall be provided for any one on one,

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face to face medically necessary office visit. Coverage pursuant to this section shall only be

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provided to the extent that interpreter services are not required to be covered by federal law or

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regulation.

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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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     27-19-87. Coverage for interpreter services.

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     Every individual or group health insurance contract, or every individual or group hospital

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or medical expense insurance policy, plan, or group policy delivered, issued for delivery, or

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renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2025, shall provide coverage for a qualified interpreter

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in connection with all services provided to every non-English speaker who is a patient or seeks

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appropriate care and treatment and the interpreter services shall be provided for any one on one,

 

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face to face medically necessary office visit. Coverage pursuant to this section shall only be

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provided to the extent that interpreter services are not required to be covered by federal law or

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regulation.

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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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     27-20-83. Coverage for interpreter services.

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     Every individual or group health insurance contract, or every individual or group hospital

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or medical expense insurance policy, plan, or group policy delivered, issued for delivery, or

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renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2025, shall provide coverage for a qualified interpreter

10

in connection with all services provided to every non-English speaker who is a patient or seeks

11

appropriate care and treatment and the interpreter services shall be provided for any one on one,

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face to face medically necessary office visit. Coverage pursuant to this section shall only be

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provided to the extent that interpreter services are not required to be covered by federal law or

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regulation.

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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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     27-41-100. Coverage for interpreter services.

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     Every individual or group health insurance contract, or every individual or group hospital

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or medical expense insurance policy, plan, or group policy delivered, issued for delivery, or

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renewed in this state on or after January 1, 2025, shall provide coverage for a qualified interpreter

21

in connection with all services provided to every non-English speaker who is a patient or seeks

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appropriate care and treatment and the interpreter services shall be provided for any one on one,

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face to face medically necessary office visit. Coverage pursuant to this section shall only be

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provided to the extent that interpreter services are not required to be covered by federal law or

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regulation.

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     SECTION 5. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC005233

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

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     This act would provide insurance coverage for interpreter services for all medically

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necessary doctor appointments.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005233

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LC005233 - Page 3 of 3