Rhode Island’s Attorney General Advocates for Major Health Care Reform
In a recent briefing, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha emphasized the urgent need for health care reform in the state, asserting that timely action can enhance care while driving down costs. A key proposal involves legislation aimed at increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care providers to align with Medicare rates—currently, Rhode Island’s rates are only 37% of Medicare’s, lagging behind neighboring states.
Neronha highlighted that the undervaluation of primary care services not only undermines providers but also complicates the retention of physicians in Rhode Island. The proposed bill, estimated to cost approximately $50 million, would leverage federal matching funds, allowing state dollars to stretch further.
Additionally, Neronha announced a lawsuit against major pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—including CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum—accusing them of deceptive practices that exploit drug pricing dynamics, ultimately harming consumers. The lawsuit claims these entities profit from skyrocketing drug prices while restricting access to essential medications.
Further legislative proposals aim to eliminate prior authorization requirements for treatments ordered by primary care providers, with specific exceptions. Another significant proposal would empower the Attorney General to place financially distressed hospitals into receivership, a move akin to bankruptcy proceedings.
Moreover, Neronha’s office is exploring the establishment of a state health care agency in collaboration with Brown University to drive data collection and policy recommendations for systemic improvements. He underscored the need for strategic thinking in Rhode Island’s health care system, promising a comprehensive reform proposal by the next legislative session in 2026.
"We can do better," Neronha declared, encapsulating the commitment to evolving Rhode Island’s health care landscape.
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