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  

Countdown to Coverage 2014: Rhode Island’s Options for Affordable Health Coverage

September 26, 2013 Rhode Islanders in need of health insurance will have several options to find and afford coverage beginning January 1, 2014 when health coverage provisions in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) go into effect. Low-income, single, childless adults will be able to enroll in Medicaid for the first time. Pregnant women, children and parents will continue to be …

6,500 Parents will Lose RIte Care on January 1, 2014 Under House Finance Committee Budget Proposal

6,500 Rhode Island parents will lose the affordable, comprehensive coverage they have through the RIte Care Program. Under the House Finance Committee’s 2014 Budget, low-income working parents between 175% and 133% of FPL (between $34,177 and $25,975) will lose their RIte Care health insurance. These are families already struggling to make ends meet. Under the House Finance Committee plan, low-income …

Comments on the request to extend Rhode Island’s Medicaid Waiver

March 05, 2013 The Economic Progress Institute is a policy and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the economic security of low and modest income Rhode Islanders.  Access to affordable health care and an efficient and consumer-responsive Medicaid program is key area of focus.  Staff has been engaged in advocacy around Rhode Island’s Medical Assistance program dating back to 1993 when …

Response to Governor Chafee’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2014

The Governor’s proposed budget outlines several important policy priorities for the coming year. It includes new investments in many of the areas that are critically important to moving our economy forward, including infrastructure, education and workforce development. Unfortunately, the proposal fails to make meaningful improvements and investments in programs that address the needs of lower-income Rhode Islanders including housing, child …

Health Reform in Rhode Island: Countdown to Coverage

The RI Health Coverage Project held four forums over the past month to educate Community leaders about how the Affordable Care Act is helping Rhode Islanders and the changes that will go into effect in January 2014.  This slide show provides information about the Medicaid Expansion, the Health Insurance Exchange, and new subsidies that will be available to help Rhode …

Essential Health Benefits: Rhode Island’s Choice Under the Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is designed to provide access to quality, affordable health insurance. To ensure that health plans provide benefits to their enrollees that will meet their health care needs, the ACA requires plans to provide a set of “Essential Health Benefits” (EHB). Beginning in 2014, many uninsured Rhode Islanders will be able to purchase health insurance through …

Defining the Essential Health Benefits

The ACA requires health plans to provide a set of “Essential Health Benefits” (EHBs).  This new fact sheet provides information about the EHBs and how advocates can give input to the state as it decides on Rhode Island’s EHBs.

Consumer Support System and the Health Insurance Exchange

Rhode Islanders will soon be able to apply for and enroll in coverage using an easy-to-use website that will include a consumer support system to help them understand their coverage options, choose health plans and troubleshoot any problems with their coverage. This fact sheet provides an overview of the consumer support system and how the “Navigator” program will provide one-on-one …