Children's Health Insurance - E-News from Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
January 14, 2014
RIte Care Alert: Latest Update on Parent Health Coverage

The RIte Care eligibility limit for parents was "rolled back" from 175% FPL ($34,177 for a family of 3) to 138% FPL ($26,951) on December 31, 2013. To ensure continuity of coverage, the State auto-enrolled affected parents in the Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island Vlaue Plan through HealthSource RI, with coverage starting on January 1, 2014. The State also paid the parent's entire premium amount for the month of January.

To keep coverage after January, parents need to apply for coverage through HealthSource RI. For more information on what parents need to know and what parents need to do now, please click here. For information on the new State premium assistance program, created to help parents afford the cost of coverage, visit the EOHHS website. Parents can also attend one of the Drop-in Enrollment Assistance sessions that will be held in English and Spanish during the month of January. 

Note re: children with RIte Care: Children enrolled in RIte Care kept their coverage (there is no income eligibility change for children). Families also no longer need to pay a monthly premium for their children covered by RIte Care.

New Child Welfare Factsheet on Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Youth

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is pleased to release its latest publication in the Child Welfare Factsheet series, Focus on New Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Youth.

The report includes the estimated number of former foster youth eligible for health coverage in Rhode Island in 2014, as well as recommendations for outreach and enrollment.

Please click here to see previous Child Welfare Factsheets.

Oral Health During Pregnancy: New TeethFirst! Content
TeethFirst!
A healthy mouth during pregnancy is connected to having a healthy baby, and seeing a dentist while pregnant is an important part of prenatal care. To help spread the word about the importance of oral health during pregnancy, TeethFirst! has new content available in both English and Spanish (including printable one-page PDFs).  

As a reminder, TeethFirst! has free materials for you to share with your staff, patients, and clients. To view the color bilingual brochure and poster, as well as the Order Form, please click here. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact TeethFirst! at info@TeethFirstRI.org or (401) 351-9400. 

Also, be sure to find TeethFirst! on Facebook and Twitter
2014 Legislative Session Opens
RI State House
The RI General Assembly opened the 2014 Legislative Session on Tuesday, January 7.

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT will track bills and budget items relating to children and youth during the 2014 Legislative session. Check out our Legislative Info Page for the latest on legislation and upcoming hearings, and to read our public testimony.
Visit us at www.rikidscount.org
In This Issue
 
starRIte Care Alert: Latest Update on Parent Health Coverage
starNew Child Welfare Factsheet on Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Youth
starOral Health During Pregnancy: New TeethFirst! Content
star2014 Legislative Session Opens
 
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Rhode Island KIDS COUNT works to improve the health, education, safety, economic security and development of Rhode Island's children.