Corvese, Famiglietti bill to protect patients’ insurance rights signed into law

PROVIDENCE – The governor has signed legislation sponsored by Rep. Arthur J. Corvese and Sen. Stefano Famiglietti to protect patients from having their health insurance claim denied because of their insurer or healthcare provider's belief that another party may be liable.

The bill (2026-H 7002, 2026-S 3028), which Gov. Daniel J. McKee signed last week following its passage by lawmakers on June 10, prohibits insurers and healthcare providers from denying the payment of a medical bill solely because the bill may have arisen from a third party's actions. Although not all insurers engage in the practice, it can occur when a third party is at fault but lacks liability insurance.

The bill took effect immediately.

"Existing laws already enable health insurers to recover funds if it is legally determined that the patient's medical expenses were the result of the actions of a third party — for example, a person driving under the influence," said Corvese (D-Dist. 55, North Providence). "But when they deny those medical claims when they are submitted, they are heaping suffering onto the person seeking healthcare, sometimes plunging them into medical debt and potentially bankruptcy, especially if they have to wait for a legal case to resolve. If you have health insurance, your insurance is responsible for your healthcare. If they can recover the costs later because someone else is responsible, they should — after they pay the claim, as existing law allows."

Famiglietti (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) said, "Claims should not be denied solely because they may be associated with a third-party liability. In addressing this issue, this legislation makes the process more predictable for providers, while maintaining appropriate standards and keeping payments timely and fair."