Health Care

MAKING HEALTH INSURANCE AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE

In July 2006, Governor Donald L. Carcieri signed legislation creating an affordable health insurance plan – called Well Care – for small businesses and individuals. This plan, which will take effect in May 2007, will achieve comprehensive benefits and lower premium costs by providing incentives to enrollees who are actively engaged in managing their own health care. The average premium for the plan cannot exceed 10 percent of wages, or $314 for single coverage (for 2007).

The affordable health insurance option is among a package of health care legislation signed by the Governor that is designed to implement major aspects of the health care reform agenda that he first unveiled in October 2005. Governor Carcieri will continue to push forward on the health care front – health information technology.

Governor Carcieri is dedicated to significantly reforming Rhode Island’s health care system by reducing health care costs and expanding access to health insurance for small business employees, lower costs by promoting better personal health, and ensure a more balanced system of health care with a focus on primary and preventive care.

Review what Governor Carcieri has done to advance his health care agenda:

Links to Health Care press releases:

• Governor Carcieri Endorses Federal Value-Driven Health Care Initiative (January 2007)
• Office of Health Insurance Commissioner Issues Innovative Health Insurance Product Requirements to Blue Cross and United (12/18/2006)
• 20 Questions About the Well Care Small Business Health Insurance Initiative (12/18/2006)
• Governor Signs Health Care Reform Package at Pawtucket Small Business (July 2006)
• Carcieri Promotes Health IT at Washington, D.C. Conference (June 2006)
• Governor Carcieri Visits Cranston Elementary School, Praises Health and Wellness Efforts (May 2006)
• Governor Discusses Health Care with Business Leaders (April 2006)
• Carcieri Announces Major Health Care Legislation (February 2006)
• Governor Unveils Health Care Reform Package (October 2005)
• Governor Announces State Employee Wellness Initiative (June 2005)