The Work Number

The Work Number is a database of income and employment data that allows the State of RI to verify Medicaid beneficiaries’ income more comprehensively during the benefit determination process, annual renewals, and quarterly Post-Eligibility Verification (PEV). 

Integration of The Work Number (TWN) data is scheduled to begin on August 1, 2025. TWN provides RI Medicaid with the most current view of applicants’ and members’ employment (by pay period rather than annually from IRS or quarterly from SWICA), with the potential to: 

• reduce manual verifications of income sources, 
• reduce delays in and increase accuracy of eligibility decisions, and 
• reduce errors associated with unreported income and coverage for beneficiaries who no longer work in the state. 

The Work Number may find some new income data on people who have been working out of state or more than one job, for example. Following standard procedure, beneficiaries who are found to be above the income threshold for Medicaid will get a notice from the State of RI requesting additional documentation on their income and employment.  

• If the beneficiary provides documentation that shows they are income eligible, the State will keep them enrolled in Medicaid. 
• If the beneficiary provides documentation that shows they are not income eligible (or if they do not reply to the notice), the State will send a second notice informing them they are no longer eligible for Medicaid. The notice will give them information about continued coverage options through HealthSource RI (HSRI), and how to appeal the decision. Some Rhode Islanders may be eligible for Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) or premium assistance through HSRI.