Children's Health Insurance - E-News from Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
October 11, 2012
Rhode Island Makes Decisions on Essential Health Benefits
mom & kids

Starting in January 2014, all commercial health plans offered to children and adults in the individual and small group insurance markets must offer a comprehensive package of health care services. 

As required by the Affordable Care Act, these Essential Health Benefits must include items and services in the ten categories of ambulatory patient services; emergency services; hospitalization; maternity and newborn care; mental health and substance use disorder services (including behavioral health treatment); prescription drugs; rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices; laboratory services; preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management; and pediatric services, including oral and vision care.

After analyzing the choices of available benefit plans and accepting public input, Rhode Island state officials submitted their decision on Rhode Island's Essential Health Benefits package to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on September 30, 2012. 


To review materials developed during this process, visit the website of the RI Healthcare Reform Commission's Essential Health Benefits Workgroup.  

Register for the Adolescent Health Summit
You are invited to Rhode Island's Adolescent Health Summit, co-sponsored by the Rhode Island Department of Health and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT. The Summit will explore the health challenges facing adolescents in Rhode Island and inform Rhode Island's strategic plan for adolescent health.  

 

The Summit will be held on Friday, October 26, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossing in Warwick. Registration is required!

 

Click to view the invitation or to register.
RIte Care Outreach Flyer for Teens Now Available
Teen flyer
A new teen-focused RIte Care flyer is now available for use at health fairs and other outreach activities to help spread the word about RIte Care and the importance of health insurance coverage.  

Download an order form to request free copies of this and other RIte Care outreach materials. 
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Welcomes New Policy Analyst
Jim Beasley at computer
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is pleased to welcome Jim Beasley to our team. Jim will cover policy analysis, research, and writing on a wide array of children's health issues, including children's health insurance coverage, oral health, behavioral health, and specific health topics including preterm births, obesity, asthma, lead poisoning, and substance abuse.

Previously, Jim was a Secretary Fellow in the Office of Communication at the U.S. Department of the Interior and a Data Specialist at Dynamic Logic in Warwick, RI. During his graduate studies, he provided research assistance to Villanova's Office of Planning and Institutional Research. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Masters in Public Administration from Villanova University.
Visit us at www.rikidscount.org
In This Issue
 
starRhode Island Makes Decision on Essential Health Benefits
starRegister for the Adolescent Health Summit
starRIte Care Outreach Flyer for Teens Now Available
starRhode Island KIDS COUNT Welcomes New Policy Analyst
 
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Rhode Island KIDS COUNT works to improve the health, education, safety, economic security and development of Rhode Island's children.