Health Reform Hits Main Street Video: Confused about how the new health reform law really works? This short, animated movie explains the problems with the current health care system, the changes that are happening now, and the big changes coming in 2014. (from the Kaiser Family Foundation)

Visit our Health Coverage Project page for other useful tools and publications.

A key goal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is for more Americans to have health care by providing more affordable health insurance. Under the law, Rhode Islanders will be covered through several ways:

• Employer-Sponsored Coverage - Most Rhode Islanders will keep the coverage they have through their employer.
• The Exchange - Rhode Island is setting up a health insurance marketplace where people will be able to compare health insurance products and enroll in a plan that best meets their needs. Rhode Islanders with certain income levels will qualify for tax credits to help them buy insurance through the Exchange. Learn more about the Exchange.
• Medicaid - Single adults will be able to get coverage for the first time. People who currently have Medicaid coverage, such as children who have RIte Care, will keep their coverage.
• Basic Health Program (BHP) - The ACA provides an option for states to develop a Basic Health Program (BHP) as a way to provide public health insurance coverage for citizens and lawfully present immigrants with certain incomes. The program would be administered by the state. Rhode Island is currently considering a BHP. 

Want to learn more about how Rhode Islanders will receive coverage in 2014? Check out our fact sheet. 

Are you an advocate or direct service provider helping children, adults and families who need affordable health care in Rhode Island? The Economic Progress Institute and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT will hold our latest Health Coverage/RIte Care Workshop on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. The program will run from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., with registration/breakfast starting at 8:00 a.m.
 

This session, entitled "Health Care Reform in Rhode Island: Countdown to Coverage," will review the basics of health care reform and provide the latest updates on health reform implementation efforts in Rhode Island. We are pleased that Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts, Health Insurance Commissioner Christopher Koller and Medicaid Director Elena Nicolella will join us as guest speakers at the event.