Rep. Corvese bill would prevent health insurers from denying coverage for claims caused by a third party

          STATE HOUSE – Rep. Arthur Corvese has introduced legislation to protect patients from having their health insurance claim denied because of their insurer or health care provider’s belief that another party may be liable.

          The bill (2026-H 7002) would prohibit insurers and health care providers from denying the payment of a medical bill solely because the bill may have arisen from a third party’s actions.

          “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 Representative 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 health care, sometimes plunging them into medical debt and potentially bankruptcy, especially if they have to wait for a legal case to resolve. Insurance companies should protect their members in these situations, not subject them to financial burdens and leave them to fend for themselves trying to get the party at fault to cover them.”

          The legislation also prohibits health care providers from refusing to submit a claim to an insurer solely because they think a third party may be liable. The bill makes an exception for workers’ compensation claims.

          While Representative Corvese notes that not all insurers engage in the practice, it can occur when a third party is at fault, but the third party lacks liability insurance.

          “No one should be hung out to dry by their own insurer because the entity responsible for their injuries was also negligent in carrying liability insurance. If you have health insurance, your insurance is responsible for your health care. If they can recover the costs later because someone else is responsible, they should — after they pay the claim, as existing law allows,” said Representative Corvese.

          The legislation, which passed the House last year, was introduced the first day of the 2026 legislative session, Jan. 6. It has been assigned to the House Corporations Committee.