Unemployment and long job searches have become a common occurrence in these hard economic times. Many households are finding themselves completely unable to afford quality health insurance coverage for their children. As a result, low income families living in Rhode Island are turning to the government funded Rhode Island Rite Care Program to provide health insurance coverage for children who meet income and other eligibility requirements.

Similar to other states in the US, SCHIP program in Rhode Island is administered through the state's Medicaid program. RIte Care's two managed care health plans i.e. Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island and United Healthcare of New England were ranked among the best 11 Medicaid health plans in the U.S. last year. RIte Care has earned broad support among government representatives and residents of Rhode Island in general.

The Rhode Island Rite Care covers most medical needs including:

• Preventive care
• Hospital Visits
• Immunizations
• Hospitalization
• Emergency Room Care
• Laboratory and X-ray
• Prescription Drugs
• Dental Services
• Vision Care
• Drug or Alcohol treatment
• Home health care
• Skilled nursing care
• Transportation services

The aim of Medicaid is to ensure that families, especially those with children, receive medical coverage even if they have a low income. The program is also intended to help the needy elderly and the physically disabled.

Eligibility Requirements

United Healthcare offers coverage to beneficiaries of Rhode Island's RIte Care program, including Children with Special Health Care Needs. Eligibility for enrollment in RIte Care is determined by the Department of Human Services (DHS). There is no waiting period for those who qualify for RIte Care benefits. After DHS enrolls you, you will receive a Welcome Packet, ID card and a Welcome Call.

For you to qualify you must be:

• A resident of Rhode Island aged 19 years and below
• A primary care giver with children under the age of 19 years
• Are pregnant and not have any health insurance cover
• A U.S. citizen, legal alien or permanent resident
• Have an annual household income (before taxes) below the following amounts:

Family Size	Yearly Income
1	$27,925
2	$37,825
3	$47,725
4	$57,625
5	$67,525
6	$77,425
7	$87,325
8	$97,225

Rhode Island also offers Rite Share, which is a premium assistance program that can help families in Rhode Island afford their health insurance coverage that is channeled through their employer.

There are some costs associated with the Rhode Island Rite Care program, depending on the family's income. There are no co-payments for services, but some families may pay a monthly premium. Families whose income is below 150 percent of the federal poverty level pay no monthly premium, while those above the limit pay a monthly premium of $0, $61, $77, or $92, depending on the family size and family income respectively.

Documentation required during the application process

• Identification documents such as birth certificates or other proof of age for children
• Social Security Cards or numbers for all members of household (Including children)
• Proof of North Carolina Residency - (Lease, rent or mortgage receipts, Utility Bill)
• Proof of Income - (Pay stubs, SSI, Social Security, Work First, Pensions or Other)
• Bank Accounts - (Recent bank statements and or passbooks, etc.)
• Utility Bills - (Gas, Electric, Phone, Water, and Sewer, etc.)
• Tax Bill/Insurance - If Homeowner
• Name and phone number of at least 1 reference who can verify members of your household
• Proof of Child Care Costs - (If employed or in school full time)

Program Length, Enrollment and Renewal

Enrollment in the RIte Care program is temporary and coverage lasts for periods of up to 12 months. You may renew your coverage prior to the date of expiry by completing a renewal application and proving that you still meet the eligibility and income requirements.

Renewal form is sent in the mail 6-8 weeks before expiry of 6 months. Complete the renewal form and return it to the Department of Human Services (DHS) immediately.

Copies of the most current 4 paystubs or other income must be attached with your renewal form.

If there are changes in your address, income or family size, especially if you pay a premium through the DHS information line 1-401-462-5300 notify the DHS office.

• If you have a monthly premium, pay it on time every month
• Be sure to mail the payment in full by the due date to the address on the bill
• Not sure if you have a premium, call your local DHS information line
• Make sure your name is on your mailbox
• Mail from DHS will not be delivered if your name is not on your mailbox
• Respond immediately to every request from DHS

RiteCare Application Instructions

There are several ways to apply for the Rhode Island Rite Care Program.

Telephone Application

You can request an application by calling (401) 462-5300, during regular business hours and an agent is always there to assist you with the application process.

Mail/ Walk in Application

You can download and print out a paper application from their website:
www.dhs.ri.gov/FormsApplications/FormsApplications/ChildCareAssistanceApplication/

Complete the application and send it by mail to the local DHS office that serves your county. Please remember to attach the necessary copies of documents that are requested, and then mail your application to:

Rite-Care
600 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920

You can also visit a Family Resource Counselor to pick up an application form, apply in person, or you can get help with your application.

Online Application

You can find application links to lists associated with all the services offered by Rhode Island RIte Care - SCHIP on this website:
/www.dhs.ri.gov/FormsApplications/FormsApplications/ChildCareAssistanceApplication/

Make sure you keenly follow all of the application instructions, sign your application, and submit all requested additional documentation.

For more Information

If you have questions, would like to request an application, or need further assistance, contact the Rhode Island Rite Care Program at 401-462-5300 or visit their website: www.dhs.ri.gov