Medicaid Enrollment During COVID-19 Pandemic
During April 2020, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training processed 71,699 unemployment claims. During the same month, Medicaid enrolled 7,231 new members and total enrollment reached nearly 299,000. This increase was driven by increased enrollment in RIte Care as well as the absence of typical termination activity but did not keep pace with unemployment claims.
In order to receive enhanced COVID-19 funding for Medicaid, Rhode Island's Executive Office of Health and Human Services temporarily ceased all termination activity. This will last for the duration of the current emergency health period. Members’ coverage can now only be terminated in limited circumstances (e.g. when a member dies, moves out of state, or voluntarily withdraws from coverage).