Bill > S0254

This bill aims to provide continuous health coverage for children up to age three enrolled in RIte Track/RIte Care (Rhode Island's Medicaid program for children) to prevent them from losing coverage due to administrative barriers. The legislation is based on findings that stable health coverage is crucial for young children's health, with routine screenings and care being essential for early detection of developmental issues and timely treatment of illnesses. The bill would automatically maintain a child's Medicaid eligibility until their third birthday, with coverage ending only in specific circumstances such as moving out of state, parental request for termination, the child's death, or if eligibility was erroneously granted. The executive office of health and human services would be required to seek necessary waiver amendments to implement this continuous coverage. The bill notes that this approach aligns with trends in other states, where several are already implementing similar continuous coverage policies for young children, and aims to promote health equity by reducing coverage gaps for low-income children, particularly children of color.

Budget and Finance

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