Grants support R.I. health-center efforts

WASHINGTON – To help uninsured Rhode Islanders enroll in affordable health insurance, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on May 9 announced that an estimated $909,513 is available to support eight Rhode Island community health centers’ enrollment efforts.
The grants are part of $150 million nationwide to expand outreach efforts.
“Health centers have extensive experience providing eligibility assistance to patients, are providing care to 134,905 individuals in Rhode Island communities and are well-positioned to support enrollment efforts,” Sebelius said.
With these new funds, health centers will be able to hire new staff, train existing staff and conduct community outreach events and other educational activities, federal officials said.
The funds come at a time when Sebelius is reported to be struggling with the cost of implementation of the health care reform law, given the efforts by Republicans in Congress to restrict federal support, according to The Washington Post. •