2010 State Legislative Preview: RHODE ISLAND

RI MOVES ON MEDICAID REFORM 
In 2009, Ocean State lawmakers passed (H5112) Medicaid Reform. The bill helps RI with their Medicaid waiver. The waiver authorizes the implementation of the RI Global Consumer Choice Demonstration; creates the demonstration implementation taskforce. The bill became effective upon its passage on July 1, 2009 and is intended to lead to a narrowing of providers through selective contracting, suspension of participating providers, and ultimately a long-term care re-balancing system reform goals. The enabling legislation defines the intended outcomes of RI Medicaid Reform as resulting in: Beneficiaries being limited to using the services/products of only those providers determined in a competitive bidding process (selective contracting for Medicaid managed care). Also, Rhode Island’s Medicaid Managed Care Program, RIte Care provides families on the Family Independence Program and eligible uninsured pregnant women, parents, and children up to age 19 with comprehensive health coverage. Families receive most of their health care through one of three participating Health Plans: Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, United Healthcare of New England and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of RI.                                                                                                     
La HFA continúa perfilando cada uno de los estados individuales y el entorno legislativo actual de cara al período legislativo de 2010. Como siempre, los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a comentar, plantear preguntas y abordar temas en evolución. Tu aportación siempre es bienvenida.