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,
and Vargas

     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