With One-Third of Rhode Islanders on Medicaid, State Rolls Out Plan for Renewals
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and community partners on Thursday provided an overview of Rhode Island’s plan, per federal requirements, for the state to restart Medicaid renewals beginning on April 1.
The state has 12 months to complete this process for the more than 350,000 Rhode Islanders currently enrolled in Medicaid, and renewals will be staggered throughout the next year.
“Our Administration is committed to working with a broad variety of partners across state government and within our local communities to help impacted Rhode Islanders get the information they need to participate in the renewal process,” said McKee.
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About Renewals
Throughout the federal public health emergency declared during the COVID-19 pandemic, states suspended the annual Medicaid renewal process, also known as eligibility redetermination.
Continuous enrollment ensured that Rhode Islanders receiving Medicaid could maintain health coverage and access to treatment during the pandemic, according to McKee.
As a result of new federal legislation, all states must once again begin required annual eligibility renewals for all Medicaid enrollees. The eligibility renewals process will begin in Rhode Island on April 1, 2023.
The Medicaid renewal process is being led by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), the Department of Human Services (DHS) and HealthSource RI (HSRI). The state expects approximately one half of renewals to be passive, requiring no action on the part of the enrollee. In these cases, the state will use information from various data sources to verify continued eligibility.
Medicaid enrollees who cannot be passively renewed must submit required documentation to verify their continued eligibility. These individuals will be broken down into monthly renewals beginning April 1, with the last group of renewals beginning in March 2024. Of note, families with children will not start their Medicaid renewal process until December. Medicaid enrollees will receive a letter and e-mail from the state this week that outlines the steps of the renewal process.
Approximately 90% of Medicaid recipients in Rhode Island receive their healthcare through one of three Managed Care Organizations (MCO) – Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, Tufts Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Rhode Island. The MCOs are working closely with the state to ensure that their members are aware of the restart of renewals and are supported as they recertify.
According to the state, during the renewal process, some Medicaid recipients may learn that they are no longer qualified to receive coverage. HealthSource RI, the state’s health insurance marketplace, stands ready to assist Rhode Islanders who need alternative coverage.
As this process begins, it is very important to have the most current information available for Medicaid enrollees to ensure renewal information is sent directly to them without any interruptions.
Info for Current Medicaid Recipients
On Thursday, McKee released the following:
If you are a Rhode Islander on Medicaid, here is what you should do right now to prepare for this process:
1. By computer or smartphone:
o Visit healthyrhode.ri.gov or download the HealthyRhode mobile app.
o Log in to your account with your username and password.
o Click “My Profile.” Then click “My Contact Information.”
o Check your name, mailing address, phone number(s), and email address. If your information has changed, please update it. Save your changes.
You can also choose to get text messages about your Medicaid coverage. Click “My Contact Information” and check the box that says “Sign Up for Text Messages.” Follow the directions to finish signing up.
2. By phone: Call the number on the back of your insurance card if you have:
o Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island
o Tufts Health Plan (RITogether)
o UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (UHCCP)
Or, call HealthSource RI from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-855-840-4774 for help.
For more information about Rhode Island’s Medicaid renewal process, please visit staycovered.ri.gov - an online resource to assist Medicaid enrollees with the eligibility renewal process.
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