NEW: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to Help RI with Health Care

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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Tory Elmore, GoLocalProv News Contributor

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) — the largest health foundation in the United States — has announced a plan to provide Rhode Island and nine other states with the resources necessary to implement key health provisions of the new health care reform law.

The Foundation will aid technical assistance and research and consumer engagement to help effectively expand and increase coverage. The assistance will be worth about $1 million a year.

"Expanding and improving access to health care, and providing stable, affordable coverage is now in the hands of the states," said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., president and CEO of RWJF. "In the coming months, state health leaders will form strategies and consider options that best meet their unique coverage needs."

RWJF will invest in technical assistance through the newly created State Health Reform Assistance Network (the State Network), focusing on setting up insurance exchanges, instituting insurance market reforms, expanding Medicaid, streamlining eligibility and enrollment systems, and using data to drive decisions.

RWJF will also work with researchers and analysts to monitor and analyze the progress of state coverage gains as well as support multi-stakeholder engagement in the policy development process.

"It's important that these ideas be shared so that states can learn from each other," added Lavizzo-Mourey. "RWJF has a long history of effectively disseminating information, and we're pleased to serve as an unbiased, nonpartisan convener to help different states share successful ideas that can be replicated, and warn of pitfalls that can be avoided."

Rhode Island chosen through competitive process

Rhode Island was chosen by RWJF through a competitive process to ensure that participating states represent diversity in terms of geography, demographics, coverage statistics and progress to-date of the ACA's provisions. The nine other states selected are Alabama, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Virginia.

"We are honored to be selected by RWJF as one of only 10 states to receive this invaluable technical assistance," said Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts, Chair of the RI Healthcare Reform Commission. "As we continue to be a national leader in federal health reform implementation, Rhode Island families and businesses will share in the benefits of expanded access to healthcare coverage, with improved health and with care that's delivered more efficiently and affordably."

"We are determined to make Rhode Island a national model in terms of successfully implementing these reforms," said Governor Lincoln Chafee. "This assistance will help us achieve that goal."

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