Health Care Disparities in Rhode Island
Against a backdrop of dwindling tax revenues and rising health-related costs, states are struggling to make ends meet. Some are trying to squeeze out new funds to cover a portion of the uninsured, while others are trying to just “hold the line” or minimize cutbacks in existing Medicaid coverage. A less prevalent, but potentially promising strategy for states involves trying to improve the quality of care. Rhode Island is a leader in incorporating quality improvement into its public insurance programs. By making quality improvement a central feature of RIte Care—the state’s managed care program for Medicaid, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and certain uninsured populations—Rhode Island officials believed they could achieve better health for residents as well as lower health costs in the long run. They posited that if coverage were provided within the context of improved access under a comprehensive managed care model, enrollees would be empowered to use the system more effectively and efficiently—and would achieve the kinds of health outcomes enjoyed by higher-income families.
- Article by: Sharon Silow-Carroll
- Download and read the Original Article here (PDF file)
