Insurers must pay at least Medicaid rates for youth crisis care

Covered health insurers must pay licensed mobile crisis care providers at least the state’s integrated Medicaid rate for that care. The requirement applies to covered Rhode Island health insurance policies, including coverage through nonprofit hospital and medical service insurers and health maintenance organizations. The listed specialized and limited-benefit policies are exempt, including disability income, long-term care, and Medicare supplement coverage. Payments must use the state Medicaid payment method set by Rhode Island’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The minimum payment requirement applies on or after October 1, 2026.

Covered health plans must cover mobile mental health crisis care for children and youth up to age 21, provided by licensed organizations. Covered services include immediate help to calm a crisis, stabilization, and follow-up care for children and youth experiencing an acute mental health crisis. Providers must offer outpatient behavioral health care, have experience delivering child-specific mobile crisis care, and hold the relevant state license. Insurers may use their existing provider approval and contracting processes, but reviews of care must not delay access or undermine the crisis care model. The listed specialized and limited-benefit policies are exempt. The act takes effect upon passage. The coverage language applies to policies delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed in Rhode Island on or after January 1, 2026.