2026 -- S 2382 | |
======== | |
LC004261 | |
======== | |
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND | |
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY | |
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 | |
____________ | |
A N A C T | |
RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES | |
| |
Introduced By: Senators Urso, Murray, Quezada, Britto, Euer, Bissaillon, Mack, Bell, | |
Date Introduced: January 30, 2026 | |
Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services | |
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: | |
1 | SECTION 1. Sections 27-18-30 and 27-18-52 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-18 |
2 | entitled "Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies" are hereby amended to read as follows: |
3 | 27-18-30. Health insurance contracts — Infertility. |
4 | (a) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered or issued for delivery or |
5 | renewed in this state, except contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare or other |
6 | governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide coverage for |
7 | medically necessary expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women between the ages |
8 | of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) years, including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in |
9 | conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) subject to the provision of subsection (i) of this section, |
10 | and for standard fertility-preservation services when a medically necessary medical treatment may |
11 | directly or indirectly cause iatrogenic infertility to a covered person. To the extent that a health |
12 | insurance contract provides reimbursement for a test or procedure used in the diagnosis or treatment |
13 | of conditions other than infertility, the tests and procedures shall not be excluded from |
14 | reimbursement when provided attendant to the diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women |
15 | between the ages of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) years; provided, that a subscriber |
16 | copayment not to exceed twenty percent (20%) may be required for those programs and/or |
17 | procedures the sole purpose of which is the treatment of infertility. |
18 | (b) For purposes of this section, “infertility” means the condition of an otherwise |
19 | presumably healthy individual who is unable to conceive or sustain a pregnancy during a period of |
| |
1 | one year. |
2 | (c) For purposes of this section, “standard fertility-preservation services” means |
3 | procedures consistent with established medical practices and professional guidelines published by |
4 | the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or |
5 | other reputable professional medical organizations. |
6 | (d) For purposes of this section, “iatrogenic infertility” means an impairment of fertility by |
7 | surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other medical treatment affecting reproductive organs or |
8 | processes. |
9 | (e) For purposes of this section, “may directly or indirectly cause” means treatment with a |
10 | likely side effect of infertility as established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, |
11 | the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or other reputable professional organizations. |
12 | (f) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 27-18-19 or any other provision to the contrary, |
13 | this section shall apply to blanket or group policies of insurance. |
14 | (g) The health insurance contract may limit coverage to a lifetime cap of one hundred |
15 | thousand dollars ($100,000). |
16 | (h) For purposes of this section, "preimplantation genetic diagnosis" or "PGD" means a |
17 | technique used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic |
18 | disorders prior to their transfer to the uterus. |
19 | (i) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy shall only be required to provide coverage, |
20 | for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) upon the following conditions: |
21 | (1) The PGD is recommended or ordered by a healthcare provider acting within the |
22 | provider's scope of practice; |
23 | (2) The PGD is recommended or ordered to address, treat, diagnosis a particular risk, |
24 | specific health danger or specific genetic risk condition; |
25 | (3) The condition or circumstances of the insured patient fulfill the specific criteria, |
26 | requirements or stipulations recommended by nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for |
27 | preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). |
28 | (i) For the purpose of this subsection, "nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines" |
29 | means evidence-based, peer reviewed clinical practice guidelines informed by a systematic review |
30 | of evidence and an assessment of the benefits, and risks of alternative care options intended to |
31 | optimize patient care developed by independent organization professional societies utilizing a |
32 | transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. |
33 | (ii) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent medical management or |
34 | utilization review of their services, including preauthorization, to ensure that such services are |
| LC004261 - Page 2 of 15 |
1 | consistent with nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for PGD. |
2 | 27-18-52. Genetic testing. |
3 | (a) Except as provided in chapter 37.3 of title 5, insurance administrators, health plans, and |
4 | providers shall be prohibited from releasing genetic information without prior written authorization |
5 | of the individual. Written authorization shall be required for each disclosure and include to whom |
6 | the disclosure is being made. An exception shall exist for those participating in research settings |
7 | governed by the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Research Subjects (also known as |
8 | “The Common Rule”). Tests conducted purely for research are excluded from the definition, as are |
9 | tests for somatic (as opposed to heritable) mutations, and testing for forensic purposes. |
10 | (b) No individual or group health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered, issued for |
11 | delivery, or renewed in this state that provides health insurance medical coverage that includes |
12 | coverage for physician services in a physician’s office, and every policy that provides major |
13 | medical or similar comprehensive-type coverage excluding disability income, long-term care, and |
14 | insurance supplemental policies that only provide coverage for specified diseases or other |
15 | supplemental policies, shall: |
16 | (1) Use a genetic test or request for genetic tests or the results of a genetic test to reject, |
17 | deny, limit, cancel, refuse to renew, increase the rates of, affect the terms or conditions of, or affect |
18 | a group or an individual health insurance policy, contract, or plan; |
19 | (2) Request or require a genetic test for the purpose of determining whether or not to issue |
20 | or renew an individual’s health benefits coverage, to set reimbursement/copay levels, or determine |
21 | covered benefits and services; |
22 | (3) Release the results of a genetic test without the prior written authorization of the |
23 | individual from whom the test was obtained, except in a format whereby individual identifiers are |
24 | removed, encrypted, or encoded so that the identity of the individual is not disclosed. A recipient |
25 | of information pursuant to this section may use or disclose this information solely to carry out the |
26 | purpose for which the information was disclosed. Authorization shall be required for each |
27 | redisclosure; an exception shall exist for participating in research settings governed by the Federal |
28 | Policy for the Protection of Human Research Subjects (also known as “The Common Rule”); |
29 | (4) Request or require information as to whether an individual has ever had a genetic test, |
30 | or participated in genetic testing of any kind, whether for clinical or research purposes. |
31 | (c) For the purposes of this section, “genetic testing” is the analysis of an individual’s DNA, |
32 | RNA, chromosomes, proteins, and certain metabolites in order to detect heritable disease-related |
33 | genotypes, mutations, phenotypes, or karyotypes for clinical purposes. Those purposes include |
34 | predicting risk of disease, identifying carriers, establishing prenatal and clinical diagnosis or |
| LC004261 - Page 3 of 15 |
1 | prognosis. Prenatal, newborn, and carrier screening, as well as testing in high-risk families, may be |
2 | included provided there is an approved release by a parent or guardian. Tests for metabolites are |
3 | covered only when they are undertaken with high probability that an excess of deficiency of the |
4 | metabolite indicates the presence of heritable mutations in single genes. “Genetic testing” does not |
5 | mean routine physical measurement, a routine chemical, blood, or urine analysis, or a test for drugs |
6 | or for HIV infections. |
7 | (d) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered or issued for delivery or |
8 | renewed in this state, except contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare or other |
9 | governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide coverage for the |
10 | expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women between the ages of twenty-five (25) |
11 | and forty-two (42) years, including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with |
12 | in vitro fertilization (IVF). For purposes of this section: |
13 | (1) "Preimplantation genetic diagnosis" or "PGD" means a technique used in conjunction |
14 | with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic disorders prior to their transfer |
15 | to the uterus; |
16 | (2) "Infertility" means the condition of an otherwise presumably healthy individual who is |
17 | unable to conceive or sustain a pregnancy during a period of one year. |
18 | (3) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy that provides coverage, for |
19 | preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, shall do so only |
20 | upon the recommendation of a healthcare provider acting within the provider's scope of practice, |
21 | and as recommended by nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for preimplantation |
22 | genetic diagnosis (PGD). |
23 | (i) For the purpose of this subsection, "nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines" |
24 | means evidence-based, peer reviewed clinical practice guidelines informed by a systematic review |
25 | of evidence and an assessment of the benefits, and risks of alternative care options intended to |
26 | optimize patient care developed by independent organization professional societies utilizing a |
27 | transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. |
28 | (ii) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent medical management or |
29 | utilization review of their services, including preauthorization, to ensure that such services are |
30 | consistent with nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for the detection of lung cancer. |
31 | SECTION 2. Sections 27-19-23 and 27-19-44 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-19 |
32 | entitled "Nonprofit Hospital Service Corporations" are hereby amended to read as follows: |
33 | 27-19-23. Coverage for infertility. |
34 | (a) Any nonprofit hospital service contract, plan, or insurance policies delivered, issued for |
| LC004261 - Page 4 of 15 |
1 | delivery, or renewed in this state, except contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare |
2 | or other governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide coverage |
3 | for medically necessary expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women between the |
4 | ages of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) years, including preimplantation genetic diagnosis |
5 | (PGD) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) subject to the provision of subsection (h) of |
6 | this section, and for standard fertility-preservation services when a medically necessary medical |
7 | treatment may directly or indirectly cause iatrogenic infertility to a covered person. To the extent |
8 | that a nonprofit hospital service corporation provides reimbursement for a test or procedure used |
9 | in the diagnosis or treatment of conditions other than infertility, those tests and procedures shall |
10 | not be excluded from reimbursement when provided attendant to the diagnosis and treatment of |
11 | infertility for women between the ages of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) years; provided, that |
12 | a subscriber copayment, not to exceed twenty percent (20%), may be required for those programs |
13 | and/or procedures the sole purpose of which is the treatment of infertility. |
14 | (b) For purposes of this section, “infertility” means the condition of an otherwise |
15 | presumably healthy individual who is unable to conceive or sustain a pregnancy during a period of |
16 | one year. |
17 | (c) For purposes of this section, “standard fertility-preservation services” means |
18 | procedures consistent with established medical practices and professional guidelines published by |
19 | the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or |
20 | other reputable professional medical organizations. |
21 | (d) For purposes of this section, “iatrogenic infertility” means an impairment of fertility by |
22 | surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other medical treatment affecting reproductive organs or |
23 | processes. |
24 | (e) For purposes of this section, “may directly or indirectly cause” means treatment with a |
25 | likely side effect of infertility as established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, |
26 | the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or other reputable professional organizations. |
27 | (f) The health insurance contract may limit coverage to a lifetime cap of one hundred |
28 | thousand dollars ($100,000). |
29 | (g) For purposes of this section, "preimplantation genetic diagnosis" or "PGD" means a |
30 | technique used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic |
31 | disorders prior to their transfer to the uterus. |
32 | (h) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy shall only be required to provide |
33 | coverage, for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) upon the following conditions: |
34 | (1) The PGD is recommended or ordered by a healthcare provider acting within the |
| LC004261 - Page 5 of 15 |
1 | provider's scope of practice; |
2 | (2) The PGD is recommended or ordered to address, treat, diagnosis a particular risk, |
3 | specific health danger or specific genetic risk condition; |
4 | (3) The condition or circumstances of the insured patient fulfill the specific criteria, |
5 | requirements or stipulations recommended by nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for |
6 | preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). |
7 | (i) For the purpose of this subsection, "nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines" |
8 | means evidence-based, peer reviewed clinical practice guidelines informed by a systematic review |
9 | of evidence and an assessment of the benefits, and risks of alternative care options intended to |
10 | optimize patient care developed by independent organization professional societies utilizing a |
11 | transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. |
12 | (ii) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent medical management or |
13 | utilization review of their services, including preauthorization, to ensure that such services are |
14 | consistent with nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for PGD. |
15 | 27-19-44. Genetic testing. |
16 | (a) Except as provided in chapter 37.3 of title 5, insurance administrators, health plans, and |
17 | providers shall be prohibited from releasing genetic information without prior written authorization |
18 | of the individual. Written authorization shall be required for each disclosure and include to whom |
19 | the disclosure is being made. An exception shall exist for those participating in research settings |
20 | governed by the federal policy for the protection of human research subjects (also known as “The |
21 | Common Rule”). Tests conducted purely for research are excluded from the definition, as are tests |
22 | for somatic (as opposed to heritable) mutations, and testing for forensic purposes. |
23 | (b) No nonprofit health service corporation subject to the provisions of this chapter shall: |
24 | (1) Use a genetic test or request for a genetic test or the results of a genetic test or other |
25 | genetic information to reject, deny, limit, cancel, refuse to renew, increase the rates of, affect the |
26 | terms or conditions of, or affect a group or an individual’s health insurance policy, contract, or |
27 | plan; |
28 | (2) Request or require a genetic test for the purpose of determining whether or not to issue |
29 | or renew a group, individual health benefits coverage, to set reimbursement/copay levels, or |
30 | determine covered benefits and services; |
31 | (3) Release the results of a genetic test without the prior written authorization of the |
32 | individual from whom the test was obtained, except in a format by which individual identifiers are |
33 | removed, encrypted, or encoded so that the identity of the individual is not disclosed. A recipient |
34 | of information pursuant to this section may use or disclose the information solely to carry out the |
| LC004261 - Page 6 of 15 |
1 | purpose for which the information was disclosed. Authorization shall be required for each |
2 | redisclosure. An exception shall exist for participation in research settings governed by the federal |
3 | policy for the protection of human research subjects (also known as “The Common Rule”); or |
4 | (4) Request or require information as to whether an individual has ever had a genetic test, |
5 | or participated in genetic testing of any kind, whether for clinical or research purposes. |
6 | (c) For the purposes of this section, “genetic testing” is the analysis of an individual’s DNA, |
7 | RNA, chromosomes, proteins, and certain metabolites in order to detect heritable disease-related |
8 | genotypes, mutations, phenotypes, or karyotypes for clinical purposes. These purposes include |
9 | predicting risk of disease, identifying carriers, establishing prenatal and clinical diagnosis or |
10 | prognosis. Prenatal, newborn, and carrier screening, as well as testing in high-risk families, may be |
11 | included provided there is an approved release by a parent or guardian. Tests for metabolites are |
12 | covered only when they are undertaken with high probability that an excess of deficiency of the |
13 | metabolite indicates the presence of heritable mutations in single genes. “Genetic testing” does not |
14 | mean routine physical measurement, a routine chemical, blood, or urine analysis, or a test for drugs |
15 | or for HIV infection. |
16 | (d) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered or issued for delivery or |
17 | renewed in this state, except contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare or other |
18 | governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide coverage for the |
19 | expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women between the ages of twenty-five (25) |
20 | and forty-two (42) years, including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with |
21 | in vitro fertilization (IVF). For purposes of this section: |
22 | (1) "Preimplantation genetic diagnosis" or "PGD" means a technique used in conjunction |
23 | with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic disorders prior to their transfer |
24 | to the uterus; |
25 | (2) "Infertility" means the condition of an otherwise presumably healthy individual who is |
26 | unable to conceive or sustain a pregnancy during a period of one year. |
27 | (3) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy that provides coverage, for |
28 | preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, shall do so only |
29 | upon the recommendation of a healthcare provider acting within the provider's scope of practice, |
30 | and as recommended by nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for preimplantation |
31 | genetic diagnosis (PGD). |
32 | (i) For the purpose of this subsection, "nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines" |
33 | means evidence-based, peer reviewed clinical practice guidelines informed by a systematic review |
34 | of evidence and an assessment of the benefits, and risks of alternative care options intended to |
| LC004261 - Page 7 of 15 |
1 | optimize patient care developed by independent organization professional societies utilizing a |
2 | transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. |
3 | (ii) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent medical management or |
4 | utilization review of their services, including preauthorization, to ensure that such services are |
5 | consistent with nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for PGD. |
6 | SECTION 3. Sections 27-20-20 and 27-20-39 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-20 |
7 | entitled "Nonprofit Medical Service Corporations" are hereby amended to read as follows: |
8 | 27-20-20. Coverage for infertility. |
9 | (a) Any nonprofit medical service contract, plan, or insurance policies delivered, issued for |
10 | delivery, or renewed in this state, except contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare |
11 | or other governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide coverage |
12 | for the medically necessary expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women between |
13 | the ages of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) years, including preimplantation genetic diagnosis |
14 | (PGD) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) subject to the provision of subsection (i) of |
15 | this section, and for standard fertility-preservation services when a medically necessary medical |
16 | treatment may directly or indirectly cause iatrogenic infertility to a covered person. To the extent |
17 | that a nonprofit medical service corporation provides reimbursement for a test or procedure used |
18 | in the diagnosis or treatment of conditions other than infertility, those tests and procedures shall |
19 | not be excluded from reimbursement when provided attendant to the diagnosis and treatment of |
20 | infertility for women between the ages of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) years; provided, that |
21 | subscriber copayment, not to exceed twenty percent (20%), may be required for those programs |
22 | and/or procedures the sole purpose of which is the treatment of infertility. |
23 | (b) For purposes of this section, “infertility” means the condition of an otherwise |
24 | presumably healthy individual who is unable to conceive or sustain a pregnancy during a period of |
25 | one year. |
26 | (c) For purposes of this section, “standard fertility-preservation services” means |
27 | procedures consistent with established medical practices and professional guidelines published by |
28 | the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or |
29 | other reputable professional medical organizations. |
30 | (d) For purposes of this section, “iatrogenic infertility” means an impairment of fertility by |
31 | surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other medical treatment affecting reproductive organs or |
32 | processes. |
33 | (e) For purposes of this section, “may directly or indirectly cause” means treatment with a |
34 | likely side effect of infertility as established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, |
| LC004261 - Page 8 of 15 |
1 | the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or other reputable professional organizations. |
2 | (f) The health insurance contract may limit coverage to a lifetime cap of one hundred |
3 | thousand dollars ($100,000). |
4 | (g) For purposes of this section, "preimplantation genetic diagnosis" or "PGD" means a |
5 | technique used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic |
6 | disorders prior to their transfer to the uterus. |
7 | (h) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy that provides coverage, for |
8 | preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, shall do so only |
9 | upon the recommendation of a healthcare provider acting within the provider's scope of practice, |
10 | and as recommended by nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for preimplantation |
11 | genetic diagnosis (PGD). |
12 | (i) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy shall only be required to provide coverage, |
13 | for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) upon the following conditions: |
14 | (1) The PGD is recommended or ordered by a healthcare provider acting within the |
15 | provider's scope of practice; |
16 | (2) The PGD is recommended or ordered to address, treat, diagnosis a particular risk, |
17 | specific health danger or specific genetic risk condition; |
18 | (3) The condition or circumstances of the insured patient fulfill the specific criteria, |
19 | requirements or stipulations recommended by nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for |
20 | preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). |
21 | (i) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent medical management or |
22 | utilization review of their services, including preauthorization, to ensure that such services are |
23 | consistent with nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for PGD. |
24 | 27-20-39. Genetic testing. |
25 | (a) Except as provided in chapter 37.3 of title 5, insurance administrators, health plans, and |
26 | providers shall be prohibited from releasing genetic information without prior written authorization |
27 | of the individual. Written authorization shall be required for each disclosure and include to whom |
28 | the disclosure is being made. An exception shall exist for those participating in research settings |
29 | governed by the federal policy for the protection of human research subjects (also known as “The |
30 | Common Rule”). Tests conducted purely for research are excluded from the definition, as are tests |
31 | for somatic (as opposed to heritable) mutations, and testing for forensic purposes. |
32 | (b) No nonprofit health insurer subject to the provisions of this chapter shall: |
33 | (1) Use a genetic test or request for a genetic test or the results of a genetic test to reject, |
34 | deny, limit, cancel, refuse to renew, increase the rates of, affect the terms or conditions of, or affect |
| LC004261 - Page 9 of 15 |
1 | a group or individual’s health insurance policy, contract, or plan; |
2 | (2) Request or require a genetic test for the purpose of determining whether or not to issue |
3 | or renew health benefits coverage, to set reimbursement/copay levels, or determine covered |
4 | benefits and services; |
5 | (3) Release the results of a genetic test without the prior written authorization of the |
6 | individual from whom the test was obtained, except in a format by which individual identifiers are |
7 | removed, encrypted, or encoded so that the identity of the individual is not disclosed. A recipient |
8 | of information pursuant to this section may use or disclose the information solely to carry out the |
9 | purpose for which the information was disclosed. Authorization shall be required for each |
10 | redisclosure. An exception shall exist for participation in research settings governed by the federal |
11 | policy for the protection of human research subjects (also known as “The Common Rule”); or |
12 | (4) Request or require information as to whether an individual has ever had a genetic test, |
13 | or participated in genetic testing of any kind, whether for clinical or research purposes. |
14 | (c) For the purposes of this section, “genetic testing” is the analysis of an individual’s DNA, |
15 | RNA, chromosomes, proteins, and certain metabolites in order to detect heritable disease-related |
16 | genotypes, mutations, phenotypes, or karyotypes for clinical purposes. Those purposes include |
17 | predicting risk of disease, identifying carriers, establishing prenatal and clinical diagnosis or |
18 | prognosis. Prenatal, newborn, and carrier screening, as well as testing in high-risk families, may be |
19 | included provided there is an approved release by a parent or guardian. Tests for metabolites are |
20 | covered only when they are undertaken with high probability that an excess of deficiency of the |
21 | metabolite indicates the presence of heritable mutations in single genes. “Genetic testing” does not |
22 | mean routine physical measurement, a routine chemical, blood, or urine analysis, or a test for drugs |
23 | or for HIV infections. |
24 | (d) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered or issued for delivery or |
25 | renewed in this state, except contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare or other |
26 | governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide coverage for the |
27 | expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women between the ages of twenty-five (25) |
28 | and forty-two (42) years, including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with |
29 | in vitro fertilization (IVF). For purposes of this section: |
30 | (1) "Preimplantation genetic diagnosis" or "PGD" means a technique used in conjunction |
31 | with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic disorders prior to their transfer |
32 | to the uterus; |
33 | (2) "Infertility" means the condition of an otherwise presumably healthy individual who is |
34 | unable to conceive or sustain a pregnancy during a period of one year. |
| LC004261 - Page 10 of 15 |
1 | (3) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy that provides coverage, for |
2 | preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, shall do so only |
3 | upon the recommendation of a healthcare provider acting within the provider's scope of practice, |
4 | and as recommended by nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for preimplantation |
5 | genetic diagnosis (PGD). |
6 | (i) For the purpose of this subsection, "nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines" |
7 | means evidence-based, peer reviewed clinical practice guidelines informed by a systematic review |
8 | of evidence and an assessment of the benefits, and risks of alternative care options intended to |
9 | optimize patient care developed by independent organization professional societies utilizing a |
10 | transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. |
11 | (ii) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent medical management or |
12 | utilization review of their services, including preauthorization, to ensure that such services are |
13 | consistent with nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for PGD. |
14 | SECTION 4. Sections 27-41-33 and 27-41-53 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-41 |
15 | entitled "Health Maintenance Organizations" are hereby amended to read as follows: |
16 | 27-41-33. Coverage for infertility. |
17 | (a) Any health maintenance organization service contract plan or policy delivered, issued |
18 | for delivery, or renewed in this state, except a contract providing supplemental coverage to |
19 | Medicare or other governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide |
20 | coverage for medically necessary expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women |
21 | between the ages of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) years, including preimplantation genetic |
22 | diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) subject to the provision of |
23 | subsection (i) of this section, and for standard fertility-preservation services when a medically |
24 | necessary medical treatment may directly or indirectly cause iatrogenic infertility to a covered |
25 | person. To the extent that a health maintenance organization provides reimbursement for a test or |
26 | procedure used in the diagnosis or treatment of conditions other than infertility, those tests and |
27 | procedures shall not be excluded from reimbursement when provided attendant to the diagnosis |
28 | and treatment of infertility for women between the ages of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) |
29 | years; provided, that subscriber copayment, not to exceed twenty percent (20%), may be required |
30 | for those programs and/or procedures the sole purpose of which is the treatment of infertility. |
31 | (b) For purposes of this section, “infertility” means the condition of an otherwise healthy |
32 | individual who is unable to conceive or sustain a pregnancy during a period of one year. |
33 | (c) For purposes of this section, “standard fertility-preservation services” means |
34 | procedures consistent with established medical practices and professional guidelines published by |
| LC004261 - Page 11 of 15 |
1 | the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or |
2 | other reputable professional medical organizations. |
3 | (d) For purposes of this section, “iatrogenic infertility” means an impairment of fertility by |
4 | surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other medical treatment affecting reproductive organs or |
5 | processes. |
6 | (e) For purposes of this section, “may directly or indirectly cause” means treatment with a |
7 | likely side effect of infertility as established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, |
8 | the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or other reputable professional organizations. |
9 | (f) The health insurance contract may limit coverage to a lifetime cap of one hundred |
10 | thousand dollars ($100,000). |
11 | (g) For purposes of this section, "preimplantation genetic diagnosis" or "PGD" means a |
12 | technique used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic |
13 | disorders prior to their transfer to the uterus. |
14 | (h) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy that provides coverage, for |
15 | preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, shall do so only |
16 | upon the recommendation of a healthcare provider acting within the provider's scope of practice, |
17 | and as recommended by nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for preimplantation |
18 | genetic diagnosis (PGD). |
19 | (i) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy shall only be required to provide coverage, |
20 | for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) upon the following conditions: |
21 | (1) The PGD is recommended or ordered by a healthcare provider acting within the |
22 | provider's scope of practice; |
23 | (2) The PGD is recommended or ordered to address, treat, diagnosis a particular risk, |
24 | specific health danger or specific genetic risk condition; |
25 | (3) The condition or circumstances of the insured patient fulfill the specific criteria, |
26 | requirements or stipulations recommended by nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for |
27 | preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). |
28 | (i) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent medical management or |
29 | utilization review of their services, including preauthorization, to ensure that such services are |
30 | consistent with nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for PGD. |
31 | 27-41-53. Genetic testing. |
32 | (a) Except as provided in chapter 37.3 of title 5, insurance administrators, health plans, and |
33 | providers shall be prohibited from releasing genetic information without prior written authorization |
34 | of the individual. Written authorization shall be required for each disclosure and include to whom |
| LC004261 - Page 12 of 15 |
1 | the disclosure is being made. An exception shall exist for those participating in research settings |
2 | governed by the federal policy for the protection of human research subjects (also known as “The |
3 | Common Rule”). Tests conducted purely for research are excluded from the definition, as are tests |
4 | for somatic (as opposed to heritable) mutations, and testing for forensic purposes. |
5 | (b) No health maintenance organization subject to the provisions of this chapter shall: |
6 | (1) Use a genetic test or request for genetic test or the results of a genetic test to reject, |
7 | deny, limit, cancel, refuse to renew, increase the rates of, affect the terms or conditions of, or affect |
8 | a group or an individual’s health insurance policy contract, or plan; |
9 | (2) Request or require a genetic test for the purpose of determining whether or not to issue |
10 | or renew an individual’s health benefits coverage, to set reimbursement/copay levels, or determine |
11 | covered benefits and services; |
12 | (3) Release the results of a genetic test without the prior written authorization of the |
13 | individual from whom the test was obtained, except in a format where individual identifiers are |
14 | removed, encrypted, or encoded so that the identity of the individual is not disclosed. A recipient |
15 | of information pursuant to this section may use or disclose the information solely to carry out the |
16 | purpose for which the information was disclosed. Authorization shall be required for each re- |
17 | disclosure. An exception shall exist for participation in research settings governed by the federal |
18 | policy for the protection of human research subjects (also known as “The Common Rule”); or |
19 | (4) Request or require information as to whether an individual has ever had a genetic test, |
20 | or participated in genetic testing of any kind, whether for clinical or research purposes. |
21 | (c) For the purposes of this section, “genetic testing” is the analysis of an individual’s DNA, |
22 | RNA, chromosomes, protein, and certain metabolites in order to detect heritable inheritable |
23 | disease-related genotypes, mutations, phenotypes, or karyotypes for clinical purposes. Those |
24 | purposes include predicting risk of disease, identifying carriers, establishing prenatal and clinical |
25 | diagnosis or prognosis. Prenatal, newborn, and carrier screening, and testing in high-risk families |
26 | may be included provided there is an approved release by a parent or guardian. Tests for metabolites |
27 | are covered only when they are undertaken with high probability that an excess or deficiency of the |
28 | metabolite indicates the presence of heritable mutations in single genes. “Genetic testing” does not |
29 | mean routine physical measurement, a routine chemical, blood, or urine analysis or a test for drugs |
30 | or for HIV infections. |
31 | (d) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered or issued for delivery or |
32 | renewed in this state, except contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare or other |
33 | governmental programs, that includes pregnancy-related benefits, shall provide coverage for the |
34 | expenses of diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women between the ages of twenty-five (25) |
| LC004261 - Page 13 of 15 |
1 | and forty-two (42) years, including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with |
2 | in vitro fertilization (IVF). For purposes of this section: |
3 | (1) "Preimplantation genetic diagnosis" or "PGD" means a technique used in conjunction |
4 | with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for specific genetic disorders prior to their transfer |
5 | to the uterus; |
6 | (2) "Infertility" means the condition of an otherwise presumably healthy individual who is |
7 | unable to conceive or sustain a pregnancy during a period of one year. |
8 | (3) Any health insurance contract, plan, or policy that provides coverage, for |
9 | preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, shall do so only |
10 | upon the recommendation of a healthcare provider acting within the provider's scope of practice, |
11 | and as recommended by nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for preimplantation |
12 | genetic diagnosis (PGD). |
13 | (i) For the purpose of this subsection, "nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines" |
14 | means evidence-based, peer reviewed clinical practice guidelines informed by a systematic review |
15 | of evidence and an assessment of the benefits, and risks of alternative care options intended to |
16 | optimize patient care developed by independent organization professional societies utilizing a |
17 | transparent methodology and reporting structure and with a conflict-of-interest policy. |
18 | (ii) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent medical management or |
19 | utilization review of their services, including preauthorization, to ensure that such services are |
20 | consistent with nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines for PGD. |
21 | SECTION 5. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2027. |
======== | |
LC004261 | |
======== | |
| LC004261 - Page 14 of 15 |
EXPLANATION | |
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL | |
OF | |
A N A C T | |
RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES | |
*** | |
1 | This act would mandate all insurance contracts, plans or policies provide insurance |
2 | coverage for the expense of diagnosing and treating infertility, for women between the ages of |
3 | twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) years including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in |
4 | conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) only on the recommendation of a healthcare provider |
5 | acting within the scope of their practice. |
6 | This act would take effect on January 1, 2027. |
======== | |
LC004261 | |
======== | |
| LC004261 - Page 15 of 15 |