Children's Health Insurance - E-News from Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
January 31, 2013
Fiscal Year 2014 Proposed Budget
RI State House
On Wednesday, January 16, 2013, Governor Lincoln Chafee released his Fiscal Year 2014 budget during his annual State of the State address.

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT has prepared an FY 2014 Budget Analysis. The Governor's proposed budget includes the following health-related items that will affect the well-being of Rhode Island's children and families:

Health 
  • Maintains RIte Care eligibility requirements and affordability provisions for children, pregnant women, and parents. 
  • Calls for full funding for the Unified Health Infrastructure Project (UHIP), which will build a fully integrated eligibility determination system for the Rhode Island Health Benefits Exchange and other income support programs such as RI Works, child care assistance, SNAP, and WIC starting in 2014.
  • Per the federal Affordable Care Act (health reform), increases both fee-for-service and managed care Medicaid payment rates for primary care physicians. 
Legislative Tracking
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is tracking bills and budget items relating to children and youth during the 2013 Legislative session. Check out our  Legislative Info Page for the latest on legislation and upcoming hearings, and to read our public testimony. 
Renewal of the Global Waiver 
Rhode Island is currently in the process of renewing its Medicaid 1115 Waiver, also known as the Global Waiver. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) has posted the draft extension request and an overview presentation of the proposed changes. EOHHS will hold public forums in February and written comments can be sent to EOHHS before February 22nd. More information regarding the information sessions and public comment process can be found here
Update on the ACA Implementation
The Rhode Island Health Coverage Project, a joint initiative of The Economic Progress Institute and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, recently hosted a series of Community Leader Forums that outlined how the Affordable Care Act is helping Rhode Islanders and the changes that will go into effect in January 2014. The presentation can be viewed here
 
If you would like to receive updates on ACA implementation in Rhode Island, please sign up to receive the Project's E-Updates .
Visit us at www.rikidscount.org
In This Issue
 
starFiscal Year 2014 Proposed Budget
starLegislative Tracking
starRenewal of the Global Waiver
starUpdate on the ACA Implementation
 
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Rhode Island KIDS COUNT works to improve the health, education, safety, economic security and development of Rhode Island's children.