The Rhode Island Senate presented a series of bills this week, designed to increase access to and affordability of healthcare in the state.
Senate Majority Leader Ryan Pearson says the bills will not solve all health problems in the state, while Senate President Dominick Ruggerio adds the state's healthcare system is in critical need.
Few issues are as important as health care, and right now, our health care system is in critical condition. Health care absolutely must be accessible and affordable for all Rhode Islanders. But for too many people in our state, care is too expensive or too difficult to get. And we know that many health care providers are feeling enormous strain due to many factors. Like providers and consumers, our community hospitals, including Fatima in my district, are facing difficult circumstances. I want to recognize the outstanding work of my colleagues in the Senate in the development of this package of bills, and thank our many other partners, including many vital stakeholders, for working collaboratively with us on these issues,” said President Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence).
The 25 bills cover four areas of concern, including consumer protection, cost containment, access to providers, and financial stability.
(Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP / Getty Images