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Rhode Island Health Insurance Companies
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Rhode Island Health Insurance Resources
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How to Get the Most Savings
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Rhode Island Health Insurance FAQS
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How to Enroll in Health Insurance in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Health Insurance Companies
Since it’s one of the smallest states in the country, Rhode Island has limited options when it comes to insurance companies. But there are plenty of plan options offered by the insurers it does have. The following are your options for insurance companies in your state and some of the benefits they offer:
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island offers a variety of medical and dental plans to meet your and your family’s needs. Its plans are divided into metal tiers to give you the flexibility you require.
This insurer also offers Medicare Advantage plans to qualified individuals. In addition, with Blue365, BCBSRI can give you access to exclusive member discounts on health and fitness products and services.
And since Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the largest health insurance companies in the nation, policyholders get access to their large network of providers. This network spans throughout many states in the country, giving members coverage no matter where they go.
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (Neighborhood) is a nonprofit healthcare organization that offers Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans. Neighborhood’s large provider network, which includes over 1,800 providers and 5,100 specialists, gives its members access to comprehensive healthcare services throughout Rhode Island.
Health Insurance Marketplace in Rhode Island
If you’re looking for health insurance in Rhode Island, the health insurance Marketplace is a great place to start. During the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) you can purchase Marketplace health insurance, which was created by the Affordable Care Act, offers certain consumer protections, guarantees coverage for pre-existing conditions, and includes coverage for what are known as the “10 essential health benefits”:
- Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care)
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization
- Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care (both before and after birth)
- Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment (including counseling and psychotherapy)
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
- Laboratory services
- Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
- Pediatric services, including oral and vision care (but adult dental and vision coverage aren’t essential health benefits)
The ACA-compliant plans offered on the Marketplace are divided into different types, known as metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. These tiers do not signal a difference in quality of care, though. The tiers differ in your out-of-pocket costs versus what your plan covers.
It’s important to remember that the Marketplace only offers the plans of participating providers. So unfortunately, while the Marketplace is a great tool, you may not be able to compare every plan available to you.
Whether you want a Marketplace plan, or a plan from a private insurer, an EZ agent can help. We work with all carriers in your state in order to compare all options available.
Over half of the uninsured in Rhode Island who qualify for Marketplace insurance coverage could get a Bronze plan for FREE.
Rhode Island’s Short Term Health Insurance Guidelines
If you’ve missed the health insurance Open Enrollment Period (OEP), or if you need health insurance for a short amount of time, short-term plans are a great option. It’s important to note, though, that these policies tend to only cover the basics, and you can be denied one of these plans if you have a pre-existing condition.
There are some rules around short-term plans, though, both at the federal and the state level. Some states choose to have their own guidelines separate from federal guidelines, or not offer short-term plans at all. In Rhode Island, the state’s healthcare plan requirements are so restrictive that carriers in Rhode Island unfortunately do not sell short-term plans. But there are plenty of other coverage options in the state.
Rhode Island Health Insurance Resources
You can find great health insurance in your state using the resources available to you. One of these resources is actually your employer. Speak to them about the possibility of enrolling in a group plan. These plans are typically less expensive than individual or family plans, because your company receives discounts for purchasing group policies.
You can also use the government’s resources if you qualify for any government assistance. Medicare offers plans for people over the age of 65 and adults with certain disabilities. Medicaid provides low-income families with affordable or free health insurance. These programs were created to help make sure everyone has the opportunity to have health insurance no matter their circumstance.
Your best resource, though, is an insurance agent. With the assistance of an EZ agent, you can compare both on-and-off Marketplace options. They can ensure that your insurance covers all of your health needs.
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How to Get the Most Savings
When it comes to healthcare costs, Rhode Island is 34th out of all 50 states for healthcare spending per capita, with an average annual healthcare cost for an individual of $11,049. There are, though, steps you can take to lower the cost of your health insurance.
The best place to begin is with your health. Obesity is widespread in Rhode Island at 30% but maintaining a healthy BMI can help you get the best health insurance rates.
Tobacco use is another factor that influences the cost of health insurance. Smokers’ health insurance premiums can be up to 50% higher than nonsmokers’, so consider quitting to lower the price of your insurance, as well as your healthcare costs in general. And since smoking can lead to so many health complications, quitting can improve your health as well.
Where you live can also affect your premium. Areas with more providers available tend to have lower premiums due to having better access to doctors and hospitals.
But working with a trained agent is the most efficient way to find the best savings. EZ’s agents are experts at finding plans that fit your budget, as well as any local discounts you might be eligible for. Using an EZ agent can save you hundreds of dollars per year. Furthermore, all of our services are completely free!
Rhode Island Health Insurance FAQS
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Does Rhode Island require you to have health insurance?
Since a state law went into effect on January 1, 2020, residents of Rhode Island have been required to have health insurance, despite the fact that the federal mandate has been lifted.
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What is the cheapest health insurance in Rhode Island?
The cheapest health plan will be a Bronze plan, which can start as low as $240 a month. Remember, though, health insurance plan prices can vary depending on age, zip code, gender, and other factors.
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How much does health insurance cost in Rhode Island?
The average monthly premium for health insurance in Rhode Island is $361, or $4,332 per year, with plans as low as $240 a month to as high as $1,330. But do not let these numbers scare you. More than half of uninsured people in Rhode Island qualify for a $0 Bronze plan and don’t even know it.
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Which insurance companies offer plans in Rhode Island?
The top 2 insurers in Rhode Island are Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island.
How to Enroll in Health Insurance in Rhode Island
There are several ways to enroll in a health insurance plan in Rhode Island. One option is to use HealthSourceRI, Rhode Island’s state-run health insurance exchange. It allows you to compare plans from participating carriers. You can also enroll directly on the website of your chosen carrier. But keep in mind, the exchange will only allow you to choose from carriers that participate in the exchange and the insurance company’s website will only show their plans. So, both of these options have limitations. Another option is to sign up through your workplace, if your employer offers a group plan; this only requires selecting a plan and providing some information.
But whether you want to enroll through the exchange, directly through an insurance company, or through your employer, an EZ agent can help! Our agent can help you compare plans to ensure you’re making the best decision, as well as walk you through the enrollment process. We can locate any discounts or programs that you are eligible for, as well as answer any questions you may have. Enrolling in health insurance can be difficult; let an EZ agent ease your concerns and get you with the coverage you need.
If you still have questions, feel free to give us a call at 877-670-3557. When you call, you will be directly connected to a local insurance agent who can answer all of your questions and help you find the health insurance plan that works best for you.
