Medicaid Matters in Rhode Island 2018

Rhode Island’s Medicaid Program serves approximately one-in-three Rhode Islanders, providing access to primary and preventive health care services for children, parents, adults, seniors and people with disabilities. Medicaid is the primary funder for long-term care services that children and adults with significant disabilities and seniors need to live safely at home or to pay for care in a nursing facility …

More Rhode Islanders Have Health Insurance in 2015

New Census data show that the percentage of uninsured Rhode Islanders was 5.7 percent in 2015, half the rate it was in 2013, the year before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect.  In 2014, 7.4% were uninsured. Two new avenues for affordable health insurance made available through the ACA have helped significant numbers of Rhode Islanders gain coverage.  …

Preparing for 2016: Renewals, Open Enrollment and Consumer Assistance Workshop Materials

On September 22, 2015, the Health Coverage Project hosted a workshop attended by 150 community helpers. The workshop included presentations by staff from the Department of Human Services, HealthSource RI, RI Health Center Association, RIREACH, RI Parent Information Network, RI Legal Services, and our Project Staff. Topics included the basics of coverage and Medicaid renewal, HealthSource RI open enrollment and …

Medicaid at 50: Serving Rhode Islanders by keeping them healthy and insured.

A new fact-sheet from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities highlights the Medicaid program in the Ocean State. Currently, 1 in 4 Rhode Islanders are currently covered by Medicaid. Additionally, the Center highlights the efficiency of the program—as private insurance costs have soared, Medicaid costs and spending have grown much more slowly.

2015 Legislative Outcomes

 July 07, 2015 This year the Institute informed and influenced the debate on a host of policy issues related to tax policy, child care, and health care. Here is a summary of several policy changes that will have an impact on the fiscal health of Rhode Island and its residents.  Click here to download the document. Earned Income Tax Credit …

Affordable Health Insurance Options for Uninsured Rhode Islanders

The type of health insurance available to you and your family depends on your income. Adults with income below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may be eligible for RIte Care/Medicaid. The RIte Care/Medicaid income limits for children and pregnant women are higher. Individuals and families with income above the RIte Care/Medicaid limits can buy coverage through Health Source …

Highlights from Governor Raimondo’s FY16 Budget

Governor Raimondo released her first budget last week. We have highlighted five areas that are important to the fiscal health of the state and its residents. Making work pay The Governor proposes to expand the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit which would allow working families to keep more of their paycheck. And while not a budget item, the Governor supports …

A Summary of the Medicaid Proposals in Governor Raimondo’s FY16 Budget

 March 23, 2015 Governor Raimondo has proposed her budget for Fiscal Year 2016 which totals $8.67 billion, a decrease of just over $200 million (2.4%) from the 2015 Revised Budget.  General revenue expenditures are $3.49 billion, an increase of $3.2 million. The budget includes steep cuts to the Medicaid program, which provides affordable health care to more than one in …

Former Foster Youth now have Access to Affordable Health Care

Help Spread the Word!  Expanded Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Youth Under the ACA, youth who were enrolled in Medicaid and aged out of foster care on or after their 18th birthday are eligible for free Medicaid health insurance until age 26, regardless of their income.  In Rhode Island, at least 900 youth ages 21 to 25 are newly eligible for …

The Economic Progress Institute: Comments on Proposed Medicaid Rules

Read comments submitted to the Executive Office of Health & Human Services on a number of proposed changes to the Medicaid program required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Comments on Proposed Rules Implementing Changes to Medicaid Program