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PROVIDENCE, R.I. – State health care leaders and legislators from across the system gathered at the State House today to urge the General Assembly to pass critical legislation addressing Rhode Island’s health care crisis. The Health Care Action Package, backed by the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, advocates for improved Medicaid and commercial reimbursement rates and an investment in the state’s health care system.
“Rhode Island’s health care crisis did not happen overnight — it’s a systemic problem that is the result of years of underinvestment and lack of strategy in the state’s health care system,” said Howard Dulude, Interim President of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island. “We are at a critical point in addressing this crisis, and the cost of inaction affects every corner of the health care system and will be felt by every single Rhode Islander."
“The path forward must include sustainable solutions that address the root causes of instability within the health care system: insufficient reimbursement rates across all payers, workforce shortages and burnout, and financial instability,” said Dulude.
The Health Care Action Package will address challenges facing the health care system and ensure its long-term stability:
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Family Health Care Act (H.5790/S.0873): Increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for physicians and advance practice providers in the community.
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Health Insurance Fairness Act (H.5832/S.0681): Makes Rhode Island’s commercial reimbursement rates more competitive with Massachusetts and Connecticut.
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Medicaid Reinvestment Act (H.6095/S.0848): Improves the hospital payment structure by increasing Medicaid payments for hospitals at no additional cost to taxpayers by leveraging the hospital provider tax.
In addition, HARI strongly supports the Defending Affordable Prescription Drug Costs Act (H.5634/S.0114), critical legislation led by Senator Valverde and Representative Brien, which will preserve the 340B program, stabilizing care and helping keep clinics open.
“We urge the General Assembly to recognize the gravity of Rhode Island’s health care crisis and act quickly and decisively to pass strategic legislation supported by hospitals, providers and patients,” Dulude said. “The decisions made today will determine whether Rhode Islanders can access care tomorrow.”
“Our hospitals have been expected to deliver high-quality care on budgets that simply don’t reflect the true cost of doing so,” said Senator David Tikoian. “The Medicaid Reinvestment Act, S.0848, is a foundational investment in the health of our communities and allows hospitals to plan for the future, protect critical services and avoid the painful decisions that come with chronic underfunding."
“Hospitals in Rhode Island are facing serious challenges, and we cannot afford to delay solutions this far into the crisis,” said Representative David Bennett. “The Medicaid Reinvestment Act directs critical investment back into the health care system by reinvesting hospital tax funds into Medicaid payments. This not only protects patient care, but it also strengthens hospital operations and stabilizes our health care system.”
“We cannot continue to underfund Rhode Island’s health care system and expect it to continue to operate as usual,” said Representative Teresa Tanzi. “H.5832, the Health Insurance Fairness Act, is legislation that will create a more sustainable model that keeps care in Rhode Island and aligns with the economic realities of delivering medical services. By updating our reimbursement rates, we’re giving hospitals and providers the support they need to remain viable.”
“When providers can’t afford to serve Medicaid patients, care becomes harder to access for everyone,” said Senator Jacob Bissaillon. “This means people are turned away and appointments and treatment get delayed. The Family Health Care Act, S.0873, is a crucial step toward building a stable, inclusive health system that works for all Rhode Islanders.”
“Rhode Island is struggling to compete for doctors, nurses, and specialists who can cross the border for better pay and better support,” said Representative Thomas Noret. “H.5790, the Family Health Care Act, is about more than dollars—it’s an investment in making our state a place where health care professionals want to build their careers. A stronger workforce means better outcomes and healthier families.”
"Rhode Island’s health care system is in crisis, and the people on the front lines—our doctors, nurses, and hospital workers—are doing everything they can to hold it together,” said Representative Jon Brien. “Health Care Day is a powerful reminder that behind every policy debate are real people and real patients. I’m proud to stand with HARI and the health care community in calling for the investments and reforms needed to protect access to care for every Rhode Islander—especially those who rely on safety-net providers like Landmark Medical Center and Thundermist.”
“Rhode Island does not have enough physicians. Primary care is at the center of this crisis, but it extends to every corner of the system,” said Dr. Michael E. Migliori, Chief of Ophthalmology, Brown University Health & Chair of the Public Laws Committee and Past President, Rhode Island Medical Society. “We need meaningful action now to rebuild the workforce and ensure that care remains close to home.”
“Our healthcare system is at a breaking point,” said Shaina Gardner, RN, MSN, ACRN, Director of Ambulatory Services, Brown University Health & Representative of the Rhode Island State Nurses Association. “Right now, low reimbursement rates are already making it nearly impossible to recruit and retain staff. We simply cannot do more with less. That’s why nursing stands in full support of The Health Care Action Package. It would bring much-needed funding into our state’s healthcare system and help us continue to care for our communities.”
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