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Rhode Island Medicaid eligibility to be reviewed on April 1


Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee gives an overview of the state's plan for federal restart of Medicaid renewals, Thursday, March 16, 2023. (WJAR)
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee gives an overview of the state's plan for federal restart of Medicaid renewals, Thursday, March 16, 2023. (WJAR)
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Rhode Islanders on Medicaid will start having their eligibility reviewed on April 1.

The federal government stopped states from reviewing eligibility during the pandemic, so no one would lose health coverage.

Pre-pandemic, eligibility would be looked at each year.

“This was essential, and I am proud of our state's commitment to safeguarding the health of our state and we continue to be one of the most insured states," Gov. Dan McKee said.

State leaders say about 30,000 low-income and disabled people are expected to lose Medicaid health coverage this year because they no longer qualify.

The process will happen in groups over the next year.

Households with kids will start renewals at the end of this year.

Letters are being sent out asking people to check over their information or provide more details before it is reviewed.

State leaders say it's important to have accurate and updated contact information.

“We are working to renew as many people as possible without needing additional documentation. This is a top priority for the state and our administration," McKee said.

Anyone losing coverage can get help enrolling in a HealthSource RI plan.

Some people will automatically be enrolled in a plan based on income and will have two months of their premium paid.

“We are here to make this process easier. We want people to know we are a source for low-cost health insurance," Lindsay Lang, the director of HealthSource RI, said.

Community groups are also helping to spread the word of the change.

More than 300,000 people in the state are on Medicaid currently.


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