RI awarded $64.8M, most in the US, to start its health exchange

January 18th, 2012 at 4:31 pm by under Nesi's Notes, On the Main Site

Rhode Island has received more money than any other state to implement President Obama’s health care law, the White House said Wednesday.

The federal government has awarded $64.8 million to Rhode Island since September 2010 to help the state create its new health insurance exchange, an online marketplace where residents will buy subsidized coverage starting in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act.

The bulk of Rhode Island’s money – $58.5 million – was awarded Nov. 29, when it became the first state to get a second-round grant to fund “development, design and technology procurement” for the exchange through 2014. No other state has advanced that far yet.

The White House said $729.5 million has been awarded across the 50 states and Washington, D.C. Oregon has received the second-most money, at $58 million. Governor Chafee has said he’s “extremely pleased” with how fast Rhode Island is moving.

The White House report singled out Rhode Island and nine other states to explain the steps they’re taking to implement the law. Rhode Island is in discussions with Massachusetts and Vermont about whether to share technology and make purchases jointly, according to the report.

• Related: Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts talks health reform on ‘Newsmakers’ (Dec. 30)

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2 Responses to “RI awarded $64.8M, most in the US, to start its health exchange”

  1. How RI could become an island of Obamacare in Romney’s US | WPRI.com Blogs says:
    January 19, 2012 at 1:12 pm

    [...] TPM report suggests it’s possible. Rhode Island has already received more money than any other state to create the law’s new health insurance exchanges. And even if Romney wins, the officials [...]

  2. RI Choice Coalition Recognizes Pro-Choice Leaders and Ensuring Health Care Access for all Rhode Islanders says:
    January 19, 2012 at 5:29 pm

    [...] It was a fitting day for the Rhode Island Choice Coalition to rally support for health care access considering the White House Report that just came out recognizing the state for being the top recipi… [...]