New R.I. health and human services eligibility system makes debut

R.I. DEPARTMENT of Administration Director Michael DiBiase said, “This is the largest technological overhaul the state has ever implemented." / COURTESY LINKEDIN
R.I. DEPARTMENT of Administration Director Michael DiBiase said, “This is the largest technological overhaul the state has ever implemented." / COURTESY LINKEDIN

CRANSTON – Rhode Island’s new, integrated eligibility system for health and human services began launching in phases on Sept. 13.
According to a news release from the Department of Administration, the system is intended to provide greater convenience for clients by more efficiently connecting them to services, as well as create new safeguards for taxpayers by protecting against waste and fraud.
Workers from the state Department of Human Services and HealthSource RI began using the system Tuesday morning. Customers had access to the online portal, healthyrhode.ri.gov, by the end of day.
The release said the system should improve customer service by making it easier for Rhode Islanders to apply for and track their benefits. Through the new system, clients will be able to apply for benefits, view their benefit history, report any changes, view and print notices, and upload documents.

“This is the largest technological overhaul the state has ever implemented,” Department of Administration Director Michael DiBiase said in a statement. “We have dedicated considerable time and resources to making this transition as smooth as possible, but we know that we will encounter some issues in the immediate days, weeks and months after the launch. This is normal with any IT system this large and complex. We have a team in place to quickly identify, prioritize and fix any issues that arise. We also have well-trained staff committed to minimizing any inconvenience to clients during the transition period and after the new system launches.”

The cost estimate for the project is approximately $364 million over six years – $80 million in state investment and nearly $285 million in federal funds, according to information from the Department of Administration.

Said Department of Human Services Director Melba Depeña-Affigne, “The state is fully prepared to serve our clients with the launch of the new, integrated eligibility system. Our staff are dedicated to providing our customers with high-quality, timely and efficient customer service.”

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Clients also may visit any DHS field office to receive in-person assistance to enroll in Medicaid or other human services programs. DHS clients can also call the DHS Information Line at 1-855-MY-RIDHS ((855) 697-4347) or visit dhs.ri.gov/DHSOffices/index.php for a list of DHS field office locations.

Clients may visit the HSRI Walk-in Center at 401 Wampanoag Trail in East Providence Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for in-person health coverage enrollment assistance, or they can call (855) 840-4774 or visit healthsourceri.com.

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