McKee Administration’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services Highlights PHE Unwinding Data, Partnerships, & Successes

Published on Thursday, July 25, 2024

Cranston, R.I. - Today, Governor Dan McKee, the RI Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), the RI Department of Human Services (DHS), and HealthSource RI (HSRI) are highlighting key data and successes from the 14-month campaign to resume Medicaid renewals for the first time since before the pandemic. This process has been called the “Public Health Emergency (PHE) Unwinding” and “Return to Normal Operations” (RTNO).

“When the Public Health Emergency ended in 2023, States were tasked with resuming Medicaid renewals,” said Governor Dan McKee. “In Rhode Island, that meant reviewing Medicaid eligibility for about a third of the State’s population between April 2023 and May 2024. I’m proud today to share data that illustrates the hard work of the teams at EOHHS, DHS, and HSRI to ensure that our communities have continuous access to health coverage.” 

Click here to view our RTNO information sheet, which summarizes more metrics on renewals, enrollment, continued coverage, outreach efforts, and policy updates.

 Click here to review the full “year in review” data dashboard.

“The PHE unwinding represented a massive undertaking for States and their Medicaid Programs, including here in Rhode Island,” said EOHHS Secretary Richard Charest. “This was an 'all-hands-on-deck' effort. I extend my gratitude to all who helped spread the word about Medicaid renewals and provided extra support to beneficiaries, including colleagues at EOHHS, DHS, and HSRI, as well as our managed care organizations, community partners, municipal leaders, health centers, provider offices, and pharmacies.”

“All Rhode Islanders deserve access to health insurance and necessary covered services that help keep them and their families healthy and economically secure,” said Medicaid Director Kristin Sousa. “I’m particularly proud that Rhode Island consistently led the nation in our passive renewal rate, which means that more than half of our members had their coverage renewed automatically based on information we had on file for them.”

“I am extremely proud of all the hard work and focus dedicated to this effort over the entirety of the renewals process,” said DHS Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito. “The amount of preparation, logistics, and month-to-month support required to successfully determine the eligibility of nearly one third of Rhode Island’s population speaks to a true spirit of perseverance and public service.”

“Thousands of Rhode Islanders made a smooth transition into a health insurance plan offered through HealthSource RI (HSRI) this year when they no longer qualified for Medicaid," said HealthSource RI Director Lindsay Lang. "This is a testament to the collaborative approach we took in Rhode Island and our shared goal of keeping Rhode Islanders connected to health coverage.  About a quarter of those leaving Medicaid have enrolled through HSRI with financial support in place to keep that coverage accessible and affordable. We are now at a record-high of 43,000 enrollments, a milestone that speaks to the vital resource we provide to those who need coverage and don't have it through their employer." 

Community organizations played a critical role in ensuring beneficiaries had access to timely and culturally appropriate support throughout the PHE unwinding. That’s why the State provided mini-grants for community organizations to enhance their technology, outreach efforts, translation services, and staff training. In total, the State awarded more than $320,000 to 28 community-based organizations via multiple grant-cycles throughout the PHE unwinding.  One of those mini-grant partners was Progreso Latino in Central Falls. 

“Together, we have worked diligently to ensure that individuals and families maintain their coverage amidst the recertification process,” said Progreso Latino Executive Director Mario Bueno. “We have not only assisted with recertifications but also facilitated the enrollment of many families and individuals into healthcare plans, often as a result of their awareness of our involvement with the recertification process. We eagerly anticipate continuing our partnership with EOHHS to further our mission of ensuring that all individuals and families have access to essential health coverage."

State agencies were also supported by Deloitte, the vendor charged with managing the state’s integrated eligibility system, RI Bridges, since 2014. Throughout the unwinding period, Deloitte has assisted the state to maintain continuous coverage for beneficiaries and accurately process and track renewals. 

"Initially, I had concerns that when the State resumed processing renewals, systemic issues might arise. However, this was not the case,” said Representative Tina Spears, D-District 36. “The State did an excellent job preparing for the PHE unwinding and handling renewals promptly. I am proud to live in a State that makes every effort to ensure residents remain covered by health insurance."

The State will continue to share information and resources related to Medicaid renewals on staycovered.ri.gov.