AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

SB 54 prohibits Rhode Island health insurance providers from requiring prior approval (preauthorization) for in-network mental health or substance use disorder services. This directly affects insurers and patients seeking these specific treatments, ensuring they can access care without waiting for insurance approval. The bill amends existing law to align mental health/substance use coverage with medical care parity, building on an existing 2018 agreement by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. It does not change coverage for other medical conditions or out-of-network services.