Title 40
Human Services

Chapter 8.4
Health Care for Families

R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-8.4-19

§ 40-8.4-19. Managed healthcare delivery systems for families.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of state law, the delivery and financing of the healthcare services provided under this chapter shall be provided through a system of managed care. “Managed care” is defined as systems that: integrate an efficient financing mechanism with quality service delivery; provide a “medical home” to ensure appropriate care and deter unnecessary services; and place emphasis on preventive and primary care.

(b) Enrollment in managed care health delivery systems is mandatory for individuals eligible for medical assistance under this chapter. This includes children in substitute care, children receiving medical assistance through an adoption subsidy, and children eligible for medical assistance based on their disability. Beneficiaries with third-party medical coverage or insurance may be exempt from mandatory managed care in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the department of human services for such purposes.

(c) Individuals who can afford to contribute shall share in the cost. The department of human services is authorized and directed to apply for and obtain any necessary waivers and/or state plan amendments from the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, including, but not limited to, a waiver of the appropriate sections of Title XIX, 42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq., to require that beneficiaries eligible under this chapter or chapter 12.3 of title 42, with incomes equal to or greater than one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the federal poverty level, pay a share of the costs of health coverage based on the ability to pay. The department of human services shall implement this cost-sharing obligation by regulation, and shall consider co-payments, premium shares, or other reasonable means to do so in accordance with approved provisions of appropriate waivers and/or state plan amendments approved by the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 17, § 4; P.L. 2009, ch. 68, art. 22, § 2; P.L. 2009, ch. 69, § 2.