The RIte Care Program in Rhode Island is available for women and children who would be uninsured otherwise. The program covers eligible uninsured pregnant women, children and parents. Once the application is approved, members can choose from UnitedHealthcare, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, or Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Eligibility
Eligibility for RIte Care is dependent upon the income and size of a family. Pregnant women are covered if their family's income is less than 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Children who are under the age of 19 qualify if their family's income is less than 250 percent of the FPL. In some cases, there are costs to the program that are determined by the number of people in a family and the household income. The amount that needs to be paid can be $0, $61, $77 or $92, as of August 2010. For a family of two, the entire family is covered at no cost if the family makes less than $1,821 per month. Pregnant women and their children are covered by a monthly premium if they make more than $2,246 with two people in the family. The costs change based on situation, family size and income.
Application
To apply for RIte Care, you will need to complete an application and mail it into the local Department of Human Services office in your city or town. The application will ask for information on your entire family and will also ask for income information, including pay stubs. If you need assistance completing the paperwork, you can contact the hotline at 401-462-5300.
Medical Assistance
In Rhode Island, if you do not qualify for Medicaid or RIte Care or have special circumstances, there may still be ways to get health care through other government programs. Katie Beckett is an eligibility category for children under age 19 who are affected by serious disabling conditions. In this case, the only thing that matters in the condition of the child; parental income or ability to pay do not matter. Supplemental security income is a monthly payment that is available to disabled children who are eligible for Medicaid. Eligibility is based upon the disability and the parents' income.
DCYF
The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), offers a health care subsidy to children who have been adopted or are in foster care in a foster home. Eligibility is determined by the DCYF through the Adoption Subsidy Program.
Covered Benefits
RIte Care covers doctors' visits, immunizations and prescriptions. It also covers lab tests, mental health services, and treatment for drugs and alcohol. The program covers hospital care, emergency care, home health care, nutrition services and an interpreter. Childbirth education programs and parenting classes for parents or parents-to-be are covered as well.
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