Governor Lincoln Chafee and Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts announced on November 29 that RI will be the first state in the nation to receive Level II funding for its Health Benefits Exchange. The additional federal funding for Rhode Island follows a $1 million Exchange planning grant awarded in September 2010 and a Level I establishment grant for $5.2 million awarded in May 2011.
“I am extremely pleased with the progress we are making toward making accessible and affordable healthcare a reality for Rhode Island families and small businesses,” said Governor Chafee. “For Rhode Island to be selected as the first state in the nation to receive this grant is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together on something of great importance to all Rhode Islanders: access to affordable, high quality health care.”
“I attribute today’s grant award to the Governor’s leadership on this issue, establishing a historic collaborative effort of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner, the Department of Administration and the public RI Healthcare Reform Commission. Together, they are all working tirelessly to improve healthcare options for Rhode Islanders,” said Lt. Governor Roberts, Chair of the RI Healthcare Reform Commission.
The RI Health Benefits Exchange, established by Governor Chafee’s executive order in September, is expected to start offering insurance plans in October of 2013.
