Brown University public-health students are visiting Providence markets, clinics and community organizations to help residents understand changes affecting Medicaid coverage.
The Stay Covered Medicaid Fellows initiative pairs Brown's School of Public Health with the Rhode Island Medicaid Program. The university described the two-year partnership in an Oct. 26 announcement.
Fellows share state-prepared information in multiple languages and conduct presentations and canvassing. Each fellow spends up to 15 hours a week on outreach, said Abdullah Shihipar, a Brown research associate who leads the program. He said the fellows are building relationships through weekly drop-in sites at 10 community organizations and clinics.
Brown says Rhode Island Medicaid already works with organizations including Clínica Esperanza, Dorcas International, House of Hope CDC and Project Weber/RENEW. One fellow has been meeting patients at Clínica Esperanza.
Brown says a federal law ended eligibility Oct. 1 for some Medicaid members who are not U.S. citizens, with other changes scheduled for 2027. The state's Medicaid updates page lists work requirements, six-month renewals and changes to coverage for medical bills from before an application. It says most changes apply to adults covered through its Medicaid expansion program, typically ages 19 to 64, who are not pregnant, are not caring for a minor child and do not have Medicare.
The state says it will contact members before changes affect their coverage, and that its information is subject to further federal guidance.
Brown says the students will become certified application counselors during the two-year program so they can help residents with applications one-on-one.
The state advises members to keep their mailing address, phone number and email current and report changes in household, income, citizenship or disability status. Its updates page links to free community information sessions. HealthSource RI can be reached at 855-840-4774.