AGP Executive Report

EV Insurance Costs: Used EV sales jumped 54% in March, but EVs still cost about 42% more to insure than gas cars, with newer EVs narrowing the gap as repair costs and tech spread change. Healthcare Workforce Pipeline: Johnson & Wales University partnered with Scholars Network to match graduates with hospital systems and may offer student loan repayment for accepted roles. RIPTA Funding Fix: Rhode Island’s proposed FY2027 budget closes a roughly $14 million RIPTA gap, helping the transit agency keep hiring bus operators and avoid deeper service cuts. Tick & Lyme Alert: CDC-linked reporting shows tick activity is rising, with ER tick-bite visits at their highest for this time of year since 2017; experts urge repellent, tick checks, and fast removal. Ebola Vaccine Update: Moderna is advancing a potential vaccine for a rare Ebola strain with CEPI support as Rhode Island monitors select travelers. Primary Care Access: WalletHub ranked states on health-care spending as a share of income, highlighting affordability pressure for residents. Menstrual Leave Push: A new federal paid leave proposal frames period pain and other reproductive health needs as “economic violence,” adding momentum to workplace protections debates.

Primary Care Access: Rhode Island’s Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner released a baseline report showing fewer residents have a personal doctor for non-urgent needs than a decade ago, as the state looks for ways to improve primary care payment and access. Workplace Health Protections: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed an executive order pushing state agencies to standardize workplace accommodations for employees dealing with perimenopause and menopause, aiming to reduce lost talent and improve support. Menstrual Leave Push: Democrats advanced a federal paid leave proposal for reproductive health needs, framing lack of coverage as “economic violence” and calling for up to 12 days of paid leave annually. Food Security Funding: Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation awarded $562,000 in grants, including support for emergency meal delivery for homebound seniors after the 2026 winter storm. Tick Season Warning: CDC data show ER visits for tick bites are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, with warmer conditions driving more activity in the Northeast and Midwest. RI Budget Watch: Rhode Island’s FY27 budget proposal would increase spending by about $523 million, with 45% going to healthcare and human services. Grocery Checkout Policy: Rhode Island Senate-approved legislation would require one staffed checkout lane for every three self-checkout lanes, setting up a House debate. Courts & Child Safety: The Rhode Island Senate is set to consider a bill creating a “revival window” for expired civil claims tied to institutional child sexual abuse.

Primary Care Access: A new Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner report finds primary care is strained, with about a 300-clinician shortfall, worsening appointment access, and uneven preventive care—especially for lower-income residents and communities of color. Maternal Health Funding: Newport Hospital’s Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center received a $1.6 million state investment after Brown University Health said it would need $4.9 million annually to stay open longer term. Public Health Alerts: RIDOH and DEM warned residents to avoid contact with Worden Pond in South Kingstown due to a harmful blue-green algae bloom and outlined steps if people or pets are exposed. Cancer Treatment Research: An ASCO presentation reports that combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy may be linked to better long-term survival and fewer immune side effects in real-world cancer care. Legal/Health Records: A federal judge sharply criticized DOJ lawyers for misleading claims in a case involving Rhode Island hospital gender-transition treatment records. Family Law: The R.I. Supreme Court declined to review whether the state’s grandparents visitation law is constitutional in a case tied to a child’s medical and visitation concerns.

Maternal Health Funding: Newport Hospital’s Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center won $1.6 million in new state support, helping secure access to maternal care on Aquidneck Island. Public Health & Activity: RIDOH awarded about $32,000 in grants to boost physical activity for youths and families through community design and active transportation efforts. Healthcare Workforce: The R.I. Life Science Hub partnered with the Pawtucket Foundation on a career pathways program aimed at underrepresented communities in Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Woonsocket. Cancer Care Research: New real-world findings presented at ASCO suggest GLP-1 receptor drugs used alongside immune checkpoint therapy may improve long-term survival and lower immune side effects for some cancer patients. Lyme & Ticks Prep: HHS launched a federal tick initiative as Rhode Island heads into peak Lyme season, with RIDOH urging residents to watch for Lone Star ticks and other risks. Water Safety: RIDOH and DEM warned people to avoid Worden Pond in South Kingstown due to a harmful algae bloom. Storm Recovery: After recent rough storms, Rhode Islanders reported power outages and hazardous debris, with neighbors stepping in to clear roads and restore access to care. Mental Health After Birth: A new explainer breaks down postpartum depression versus “baby blues,” and why early help matters.

Ebola Monitoring in Rhode Island: RIDOH says it will implement a new system to monitor Ebola symptoms in travelers arriving from Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, with rerouted flights and 21-day self-monitoring plus weekly check-ins. Tick-Season Push: HHS launched a federal Lyme and tick initiative in New Hampshire as Rhode Island heads into peak season, with officials warning of rising tick-bite ER visits nationwide and urging residents to protect themselves. Primary Care Funding Debate: Physicians argue in JAMA for a “primary care common fund,” calling primary care a public utility and urging states to pool existing payer money to strengthen access. State Health Policy & Housing: Rhode Island is moving forward with supportive housing for medically vulnerable residents at 371 Pine St., while RIDOH also recommends closing Easton’s Beach swimming area due to high bacteria counts. Local Health & Safety: A propane flash fire at a Cape Cod construction site sent one person with burn injuries to a regional burn center, with Rhode Island Hospital receiving the patient.

Ebola Preparedness: RIDOH is rolling out a symptom-monitoring system for travelers from Ebola-impacted areas in the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, rerouting passengers through four major U.S. airports and asking self-monitoring for 21 days; officials say Rhode Island’s public risk remains very low. Primary Care Funding Push: Physicians in JAMA argue states can treat primary care like a public utility by pooling existing payer money into a “primary care common fund,” aiming to fix shortages and access gaps. RI Medical Workforce: The Rhode Island Senate approved creating a medical school at URI, with House action next, as lawmakers cite a growing physician shortage. Hospital Expansion Planning: Cranston is weighing the state’s long-planned replacement long-term acute care hospital site shift toward Pastore, including questions about local impact and revenue. GLP-1 Coverage Update: CVS Caremark will restore coverage for Zepbound later this year, potentially expanding access to weight-loss treatments for millions. Public Health Alerts: RIDOH and DEM advise avoiding Worden Pond in South Kingstown due to harmful algae blooms, and RIDOH recommends closing Easton’s Beach swimming area over high bacteria. Local Care Leadership: Heywood Healthcare named Dr. Kavita Babu as its new chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs. Budget Watch: Rhode Island House Finance is set to unveil its FY27 budget rewrite, including the millionaires tax debate and an inspector general proposal.

Primary Care Funding Push: Physicians argue in JAMA for treating primary care like a public utility, proposing a “primary care common fund” to pool existing payer spending and stabilize access. Rhode Island Budget Watch: The House Finance Committee advances a revised FY27 budget totaling $15.2B, keeping a phased-in millionaires tax over three years and weighing an inspector general proposal. Workforce Pipeline: Rhode Island Senate approval moves the URI medical school plan to the House, aiming to address a projected primary care shortfall. Health Care Coverage & Access: CVS Caremark will restore coverage for Zepbound later this year, potentially expanding GLP-1 access; the Rhode Island Senate also approved bills protecting contraceptive coverage and studying a statewide teacher healthcare plan. Local Health Alerts: RIDOH and DEM advise avoiding contact with Worden Pond due to harmful algae blooms, and recommend closing Easton’s Beach swimming area over high bacteria. Ebola Monitoring: RIDOH reports a low public risk while implementing CDC-linked symptom monitoring for travelers from Ebola-impacted countries.

Ebola Preparedness: RIDOH says its symptom-monitoring system for travelers from Ebola-impacted parts of the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan keeps the risk to Rhode Island’s general public “very low,” with no confirmed cases in the U.S. tied to this outbreak. Weight-Loss Access: After backlash, CVS Caremark will restore coverage of Eli Lilly’s Zepbound (and add the new oral GLP-1 Foundayo) starting Oct. 1, a move that could expand access for millions. Workforce Health: The Rhode Island Senate approved creating a University of Rhode Island medical school; the House now faces timing and possible debate over whether to add dental training. Medicaid Spending Watch: New data show Providence Medicaid anesthesia claims rose 23.8% in 2024, while Pawtucket ambulance/transport claims climbed 37.5%—local spending trends that can signal shifting care needs. Lung Cancer Progress: Rhode Island leads the U.S. in five-year lung cancer survival and ranks high for screening and early detection, according to the American Lung Association. Privacy & Care Records: A legal fight over whether Rhode Island Hospital must turn over transgender youth medical records to the DOJ is back in focus as federal courts consider the case. Food for Seniors: DEM will distribute nearly 7,000 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program cards with $50 each starting June 1, with no produce-box deliveries for homebound seniors this season.

Medicaid & Access: Rep. Seth Magaziner secured $750,000 for Wood River Health to expand and streamline intake for medical, dental, behavioral health, and social services in Washington County. Local Health Spending: Providence Medicaid anesthesia billing rose 23.8% to $618,351 in 2024, while Coventry’s “medicine services and procedures” climbed 38.1% to $145,244 and Hope Valley’s rose 10.5% to $98,398. Cancer & Prevention: Rhode Island leads the U.S. in lung cancer survival (37.6% five-year survival vs. 29.7% nationally) and ranks high in early detection and screening for high-risk residents. Food Security: DEM will distribute nearly 7,000 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program cards starting June 1, with $50 loaded for RI-grown produce and local honey. Policy & Privacy: Rhode Island agencies are weighing new premerger rules as FTC litigation pauses, and CT’s Flock license plate camera rules are under scrutiny. Mental Health Research: The VA is launching an MDMA-assisted therapy trial for veterans with PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Legal/Health Safety: A jury convicted a Rhode Island nurse of sexually assaulting elderly patients at a rehab center.

Ebola Response: The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to send Ebola-exposed U.S. citizens to Kenya for quarantine and treatment, with Public Health Service officers set to deploy as the Congo outbreak tops 1,000 cases. Elder Care Safety: A Rhode Island jury convicted nurse Scott Leski of sexually assaulting two elderly patients and abusing them at a North Kingstown rehab center. End-of-Life Options: Rhode Island lawmakers are set to vote on legalizing water cremation and human composting, aiming to add local choices beyond traditional burial and cremation. Housing Impact Debate: A RIPEC report says the state’s “enormous” housing investments haven’t produced meaningful results for most residents, even as officials dispute parts of the findings. Kids’ Nutrition Law: A proposed “Healthy Kids Act” would require kids’ meals at Rhode Island restaurants to include specific food groups and steer default drinks away from sugary options. Long-Term Care Costs: New data maps nursing home costs nationwide, showing steep labor and demand-driven increases, with Alaska far higher than Texas. Marijuana Reclassification Fight: Multiple Republican AGs sued to block the Trump administration’s marijuana reclassification, arguing the process bypassed required rulemaking. Internet Safety: Attorney General Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the KIDS Act, saying it would weaken protections for children online.

Cybersecurity & Health Data: Beacon Mutual says a January cyberattack involved about 132,000 Rhode Islanders, with roughly 4,500 current and former state workers potentially exposed—raising fresh concerns about how sensitive health-related data is handled by vendors. Cannabis Governance: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Michelle Reddish, head of the Rhode Island Cannabis Office, to chair the Cannabis Control Commission, sending the pick to the Senate. Public Health & Safety: Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha announced a guilty verdict for Scott Leski, a nurse convicted of sexual assault and patient abuse at Bayview Rehabilitation Center in North Kingstown. Community Health & Inclusion: Special Olympics Rhode Island is gearing up for its summer games, with more than 1,200 athletes expected to compete across multiple sports at URI Kingston. Outdoor Health: With tick-borne illness concerns rising, Rhode Island tick guidance and prevention tips are getting renewed attention as families head outdoors. Workplace/Legal: A court decision upheld a workers’ compensation appeal denial, keeping physician-opinion disputes from overturning benefits rulings.

MDMA Mental Health Trial (RI): The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new randomized trial testing MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with severe PTSD and alcohol use disorder, enrolling about 80 participants at VA Providence Healthcare System in Rhode Island and West Haven, CT. Healthcare Workforce Cuts (RI): Care New England announced it will cut more than 30 leadership and nonclinical jobs to close an estimated $20 million FY26 budget gap, citing pressure from Medicaid and reimbursement challenges. Online Child Safety (AGs): Rhode Island’s Attorney General Peter Neronha joined a broader push against the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority to protect children online while limiting accountability for tech platforms. Tick Season Alert (RI): A new report highlights rising ER visits for tick bites nationwide and notes Rhode Island’s high Lyme risk, pointing readers to URI’s TickEncounter Resource Center for prevention and next steps after a tick bite. Coastal Oversight (RI): The R.I. Senate confirmed five of Gov. Dan McKee’s six nominees to the downsized Coastal Resources Management Council, with one still awaiting action. Pulmonary Rehab Research (URI): URI associate professor Alessandra Adami received a mid-career research achievement award from the American Thoracic Society for work on muscle dysfunction in chronic lung disease. Food Access (SUN Bucks): Rhode Island is among states starting Summer EBT/SUN Bucks payments in June, providing $120 per eligible school-age child for summer groceries.

Online Kids’ Safety Push: New York AG Letitia James joined a bipartisan coalition urging Congress to reject the KIDS Act, saying it would weaken state power to protect children online and let big tech dodge accountability. Mental Health & Substance Use: The VA launched a long-awaited MDMA-assisted therapy trial for veterans with PTSD and alcohol use disorder, starting enrollment in Providence. Coastal Oversight: Rhode Island’s Senate confirmed five nominees to the downsized CRMC, with one seat still pending. Public Health Access: A new HealthDay report spotlights the “family medicine crisis,” finding many people with a doctor still can’t get appointments when they need care. Primary Care Pressure: Rhode Island’s Care New England announced it’s cutting 30+ leadership and nonclinical jobs amid a reported $20 million budget gap. Climate & Health: A Rhode Island rider is biking 100 miles to protest fossil-fuel expansion, linking pollution and extreme weather to real health risks. Ticks on the Rise: UNR’s tick expert says this season may be worse than usual, with more tick-bite ER visits and expanding tick ranges.

Dental Regulation Watch: The American Association of Dental Boards held its mid-year meeting in Chicago, spotlighting tougher questions around competency and “standard-of-care” discipline as public complaints rise. Workforce Pressure in Rhode Island: Care New England says it’s cutting more than 30 leadership and nonclinical jobs amid “unprecedented economic challenges.” State Health Policy: Rhode Island lawmakers are pushing Medicaid coverage for home blood pressure cuffs for pregnant and postpartum people, aiming to catch dangerous spikes earlier. Medical Education: The Rhode Island Senate has advanced funding to create a URI medical school, moving the plan toward the House. Public Health Data: U.S. overdose deaths fell for a third straight year in 2025, down nearly 14% from 2024, with opioid deaths dropping sharply. Cybersecurity: Beacon Mutual has started notifying about a ransomware breach that may have exposed sensitive data for about 162,000 people, including thousands in Rhode Island. Wildlife Safety: DEM is urging people not to touch “abandoned” fawns and warns handling wildlife can trigger rabies testing requirements.

ACA Enrollment Tension: With midterms looming, HHS and states are clashing over why Obamacare signups are lagging, as insurers and officials say middle-income people and legally present immigrants are dropping coverage because premiums feel out of reach. Victim Advocacy Milestone: In Providence, Sojourner House marked 50 years of helping survivors, estimating support for about 75,000 people since 1976 and looking ahead to the next chapter of public-health-focused advocacy. Medical Privacy Fight: A Rhode Island child advocate’s bid to stop Rhode Island Hospital from turning over gender-affirming care records to the DOJ was rejected, keeping the dispute moving through the courts. Workplace Health & Safety: Rhode Island is highlighted as having the lowest workplace fatality rate in 2024 (1.1 per 100,000), while Wyoming tops the list (13.9). Community Health: Coastal1 Credit Union donated 1,000 soccer balls statewide to reduce equipment barriers for youth leagues. Local Safety: Providence police responded to a stabbing on Bodell Avenue early Monday; the victim was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Rabies Alert: Rhode Island health officials say a stray cat in Burrillville tested positive for rabies after biting a person on May 20; the person has started post-exposure treatment, and anyone with direct contact is urged to call RIDOH’s acute infectious disease line for guidance. Lung Cancer Wins: The American Lung Association reports Rhode Island leads the U.S. in five-year lung cancer survival (37.6% vs. 29.7% nationally) and ranks high for screening and early detection. Aging Care Tech: More than 33 PACE organizations across 16 states have adopted IntusCare’s CareHub platform, aiming to cut admin burden and improve coordination for older adults. Hospital Leadership Shake-Up: Brown University Health is restructuring Massachusetts leadership after underperformance at two Bristol County hospitals it acquired in 2024. Local Recovery Funding: FEMA approved over $6 million in Region 1 disaster funding, including $182,000 for Chester’s July 2023 flood recovery.