Providence, RI—Governor Lincoln D. Chafee, Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Service Steven M. Costantino and Lt. Governor Elizabeth H. Roberts announced today that Rhode Island has been selected for a $20 million Model Test Award under the second round of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services State Innovation Models initiative. The grant period commences on February 1, 2015, and continues over a 48-month project period.
"Through this grant, Rhode Island will be able to grow, strengthen and bring positive change to our health care system," Governor Chafee said. "I applaud the team members at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services who in partnership with the Lt. Governor's office worked tirelessly to secure this important federal opportunity for Rhode Island."
"I want to congratulate all the people within State government and our partners in the community who worked together to make this opportunity a reality," Secretary Costantino said. "The State Innovation Model Grant reflects how much innovation can be generated when government collaborates with the private sector to support the health and well-being of our residents. This grant allows us to realize the full potential of State government as an agent of positive change. I am especially proud of the grant's focus on behavioral health and ensuring Rhode Island residents have access to comprehensive healthcare that addresses not only their individual needs, but the needs of their communities.
"This federal funding will allow us to accelerate the transformation of healthcare payment and delivery systems," Lt. Governor Roberts commented. "This is an incredible opportunity for strategic federal investments that will ensure Rhode Islanders receive the highest quality care with better health outcomes in the years to come. I look forward to working in a unique public-private partnership with the Healthy Rhode Island steering committee to make this opportunity a reality."
The State Innovation Model initiative provides financial and technical support to states to design or test innovative, multi-payer health care payment and service delivery models that will improve health system performance, increase quality of care, and decrease costs for Medicare, Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program beneficiaries. Rhode Island is one of 11 states to receive a test grant this round – 21 states received a design grant.