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Living with Diabetes
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Rhode Island
The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Insurance Division - (401) 222-2223
In general, Rhode Island residents can be turned down for individual health insurance policies based on their health status. However, if you have had prior health insurance coverage during the previous 12 months, without any gap in coverage, you must be offered an individual health insurance policy regardless of any health conditions you may have. In addition, HIPAA-eligible individuals cannot be turned down for an individual health insurance policy because of their health status. Please remember that in Rhode Island, you can never be turned down for health insurance coverage that is offered through your employer.
Rhode Island Office of the Health Comissioner
Self-employed individuals with no employees cannot purchase a small group health plan in Rhode Island. However, Blue Cross Blue Shield does offer some small group policies to people who are self-employed. Contact Blue Cross Blue Shield at (800) 639-2227 for more information.
If you are having a problem with your health plan and you are unable to resolve it with the plan directly, file a complaint with the Insurance Division. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.
Rhode Island Medicaid programs - (401) 462-5300
RIte Care - State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (401) 462-5300
RIte Care is the children’s health insurance program designed to provide health insurance to children and teens up to age 19 as well as pregnant women and parents whose families may not be able to afford health insurance. To find out if you or your child meets the income guidelines.
RIte Share - Health Insurance Premium Assistance Program - (401) 462-5300
RIte Share is a program designed to assist working families pay for the monthly health insurance premium on the coverage that their (or their spouse’s) employer provides. Co-payments are also paid for by RIte Share. Eligibility rules apply. Please contact RIte Share for more information and to apply.
Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)
Through the Affordable Care Act, uninsured people with diabetes who have been continually uninsured for six months or more will be able to access insurance through a new program called the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). PCIP, which is administered by either your state or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will be available until the provisions banning discrimination based on pre-existing conditions are fully implemented in 2014.
PCIP will be available in every state, but the program may vary depending on the state. Currently, many states run programs, often called “high risk pools,” to offer insurance for those with pre-existing conditions. To build on what states are already doing, states can either run a new program with resources from the Affordable Care Act or rely on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide coverage. Please check out the State Plans page to learn more about how PCIP works in your state. http://www.pcip.gov/StatePlans.html
Local Community Health Clinics
If you or your loved one is unable to see a physician due to the cost of care, there may be a local community health clinic in your area. These clinics generally are free to patients or require a very small fee. Find a clinic in your area.
