Health Insurance Advisory Council Annual Report

Message from the Co-Chairs

The following report highlights the collaborative efforts between the members of the Health Insurance Advisory Council (HIAC) and the staff of the State of Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) throughout 2021. As Rhode Islanders continue to be affected by the health and economic hardships brought on by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), OHIC and HIAC have remained committed to ensuring affordable access to care while also prioritizing easy access COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccinations.

Rhode Island has made significant strides in health care affordability and the state’s innovative health care policies have become a model for many other states but the fact remains that health care is still not affordable for many Rhode Island families. OHIC, in partnership with the advice and insights of HIAC, is focused on making Rhode Island’s health care system more affordable, accessible, and equitable for consumers. Through our policy reform and regulatory enforcement efforts, OHIC and HIAC aim to eliminate barriers to care, strengthen parity between behavioral and physical health care, and address the underlying cost drivers of health care.

Within this report you will find the six key priorities that drive the office’s work as it strives to transform the health care delivery system in Rhode Island as well as highlights from 2021 efforts. HIAC members meet in regular public meetings and HIAC strongly encourages public attendance and public comment throughout the year.

Stephen C. Boyle and Cory B. King

HIAC Co-Chairs