Annual Celebration of Children's Health Luncheon
November 15, 2010 - More than 140 community leaders, including Governor-Elect Chafee, Lt. Governor Roberts, and Senate President Paiva Weed gathered for the 2010 Celebration of Children's Health. State leaders discussed how Rhode Island can increase children's health coverage by stepping up to the Connecting Kids to Coverage Challenge and celebrated the progress the state has made in achieving positive health outcomes for children. View the Providence Business News article on the event and the event photos, press release and presentation.

Release of RIte Care Results
November 15, 2010 - RIte Care has a 17-year track record of providing access to high-quality health coverage and access to health care for children, pregnant women and parents. View RIte Care Results to learn about the many ways RIte Care works for Rhode Island's children and families.

New England Voter's Guide
The New England Alliance for Children's Health just released results of a regional candidate questionnaire on a variety of issues affecting New England's children and families. To find out where candidates stand on issues affecting children and families, view the Voter's Guide.

RIte Care and Family Resource Counselor Program
Highlighted as National Models
Rhode Island’s RIte Care and Family Resource Counselor programs are highlighted as national models at HHS Secretary Sebelius’ Connecting Kids to Coverage Challenge Event. Read a press statement from Elizabeth Burke Bryant, Executive Director, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and read more about Secretary Sebelius' challenge.

New! Customizable RIte Care Flyer
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT also has a new informational flyer about RIte Care, RIte Care Health Insurance is Available for Children. The flyer is double-sided (English and Spanish) and provides brief descriptions of who is eligible for RIte Care and the role of Family Resource Counselors (FRCs) in helping families to apply. Two versions are available - one that includes contact information for the Rhode Island Health Center Association (for FRCs) and the DHS InfoLine and one that can be customized to include contact information for your organization, along with the DHS Info Line. These flyers also can be ordered using our Order Form.

RIte Care Flyer Available in Multiple Languages
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT's RIte Care flyer is now available in 10 languages. Download an order form to request free copies of the flyers in English, Arabic, Chinese Simplified, French, Khmer, Laotian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili or Vietnamese.

Lawfully Residing Immigrant Children are Eligible for RIte Care
As of April 1, 2010, immigrant children who have been lawfully residing for less than five years are eligible to apply for RIte Care. This restoration of RIte Care coverage was approved in the FY10 state budget in June 2009. Please see this bilingual Spanish/English information sheet regarding this important step toward covering more of Rhode Island's children.

Health Reform: The First 12 Months
Families USA  has released a series of publications with details on the latest health reform topics. What Will the New Health Reform Law Do in the First Year? highlights all the people and communities that will be helped within the first year of passing the health reform law. From people with pre-existing conditions to community health centers, millions stand to gain within the first 12 months. Visit our health reform webpage for the latest information and background on health reform.

Governor's FY2011 Budget Request Snapshot

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT has prepared the following document which examines the provisions contained within the Governor's FY2011 Budget Request. Click to Access The FY2011 Budget Request Snapshot: Implications for Health Insurance Coverage for Children and Families. Governor Carcieri's FY2011 Budget Request Snapshot: Implications K-12 Education in Rhode Island.
 is also available. Snapshots for other issue areas related to child well-being will be available soon!

Budget Proposal Analysis from Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
 Governor Carcieri has released his FY2010 Budget Proposal, which contains implications for children and family health insurance coverage. View the FY 2010 Budget Proposal: Implications for Health Insurance Coverage for Children and Families in Rhode Island.
For more information on health related legislation, view our Health and Dental Care Legislative Updates page.