New Health Benefit Mandates: PANDAS and Uterine Fibroid Treatments

The following new Rhode Island health benefit mandates will take effect on January 1, 2023:

• H 7503/S 2203 (signed into law June 30, 2022): Expands coverage for treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders with streptococcal infection (PANDAS) and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, including the use of intravenous immunoglobin therapy.
• H 7561/S 3035 (signed into law June 29, 2022): Expands coverage for hysterectomy, myomectomy and laparoscopic removal of uterine fibroids, including uterine artery embolization intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring and radiofrequency ablation.

These coverage mandates will apply to policies issued, delivered or renewed in Rhode Island on or after January 1, 2023. Employers sponsoring health plans in Rhode Island should be aware of these developments and contact their carrier for further information.