Your Guide to Rhode Island Health Insurance
Before we jump right into Rhode Island health insurance and everything you need to know, let’s start with a little background information. In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a “Obamacare”) was passed with the goal of getting all Americans access to affordable health insurance. To meet this goal, one measure Obamacare took was to create the ACA health insurance marketplaces, or health exchanges: one-stop shops where Americans can choose from a range of standardized, government-regulated health care plans. Health exchanges are also where eligible people can get subsidies, which lower the cost of their health plans.
States were given the option to run their own local exchange, take part in a multi-state exchange, or use the federal exchange. States that run their own exchanges get to customize many elements, including the time frame during which their residents can sign up for a plan. Several states decided to operate their own state exchanges and continue to do so to this day. Rhode Island is one of those states.
To start comparing Rhode Island health plans, enter your zip code below.
Rhode Island’s Health Insurance Landscape
The Rhode Island health insurance exchange is called HealthSource RI. Before the ACA, 8.2% of Rhode Islanders were uninsured in 2009. Since the introduction of HealthSource RI, the percent of Rhode Islanders without health insurance has dropped to 4.3% as of 2019. As of March 2021, more than 30,000 Rhode Islanders had enrolled for health insurance through HealthSource RI.
The Rhode Island Health Insurance Exchange
With HealthSource RI, eligible people throughout the state can find subsidized ACA plans. Open Enrollment for 2022 in Rhode Island begins November 1, 2021 and ends December 15, 2021. Some states extend this window, but there’s no guarantee.
HealthSource RI is unique in that you can pay your premium at any CVS in the country. This makes paying your premium very easy and accessible.
Like all other state exchanges, each plan on HealthSource RI covers 10 essential health benefits. These include things like prescription coverage, maternity and mental health care, and laboratory services.
Buying insurance with HealthSource RI involves four steps:
1. Create an account on HealthSource RI
2. Complete the online application form
3. Compare your options
4. Select your plan and enroll
In true health insurance fashion, each of these steps can be trickier than you expect. Many people need help navigating the website, estimating their income, figuring out if they are eligible for subsidies, and understanding what documents are needed for proof of income, citizenship, or identity. Luckily, you can find a navigator to help you in-person with your application!
HealthSource RI’s Intricacies: What You Need to Know for 2022
Two insurers offered plans through HealthSource RI for 2021, and both will likely continue to do so for 2022. These two carriers are:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island
While Rhode Islanders only have two carriers to choose from, both carriers are local and have strong connections with health care providers due to their long history in the state.
Prices may increase
Rhode Island plan may increase by a small amount. The amount by which it increases depends on where in Rhode Island you live. On average across the state, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island plans increased by 4.2% in 2021. In the past, prices have increased at a higher rate (even up to nearly 22% in 2018), but Rhode Island has a reinsurance program that helps keep health insurance costs low
While price increases may seem scary, most health insurance shoppers can generally avoid rate increases entirely by switching to the cheapest plan within their metal tier. Not to mention, most people qualify for a health insurance subsidy, which can help make your plan more affordable.
There’s a tax penalty if you don’t have coverage
Although there is no federal mandate to have insurance, Rhode Island created its own tax penalty if you don’t have coverage in 2022. This means that if you are uninsured, you could be fined either $695 per adult in your household or 2.5% of your income (whichever is greater). The maximum fine is $2,085 per family.
If you live in Rhode Island, your Open Enrollment (the time of year when you can enroll in a new health plan) is here. Be sure to find your most affordable plan, and you’ll be well on your way for smarter, better savings all year long. And don’t forget—if you need helping finding a subsidy or picking a plan, our experts are here to help! Enter your zip code below to get started.