Rhode Island must build a safety net for possible repeal of the
Affordable Care Act
by the Supreme Court! The Texas v. United States case, which will be heard by the Supreme Court in fall 2020, could invalidate the entire law. Ongoing regulatory erosion by the Trump Administration continues to leave coverage for Rhode Islanders at risk. Approval last year of the state-based individual mandate and reinsurance program was just the first step in addressing these threats.
State budget article 20 (section 8-12)
codifies the following protections in state law:
- Guaranteed coverage regardless of pre-existing condition;
- Guaranteed coverage for the 10 essential health benefits; and,
- Guaranteed coverage with no cost share for preventative and wellness services.
The availability of
Telemedicine
during the current pandemic has allowed Rhode Islanders to safely access the care they need, when they need it. While Rhode Island continues to make progress in reducing the prevalence of Covid-19 in our community, the potential for future waves of infection, which can occur suddenly and without notice, remains real. This reality requires caution, especially for individuals with disabilities, respiratory conditions, or other risk factors that make them susceptible. The proposed Telemedicine budget article extends telemedicine through 2021 and serves as a bridge to more permanent telemedicine reform.
