Rhode Island's governor and Health and Human Services Secretary have announced the state snagged $129.7 million in federal funds to establish Medicaid payment models to enhance its healthcare workforce and produce better quality care and outcomes, officials said.
Existing higher education spending on healthcare workforce training was matched by federal funds, allowing the state to invest $129 million in federal funds over five years without spending any more general revenue dollars.
Officials said in a statement that reinventing Rhode Island's Medicaid 2.0 - Health System Transformation will improve health outcomes for the one in four Rhode Islanders enrolled in Medicaid.
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The funds will help ensure the state invest in strategic partnerships between Rhode Island's public higher education institutions and healthcare providers to train students with the skills they need so that the state has the necessary healthcare workforce.
Looking long term, the funds will help transform Rhode Island's healthcare system so more Rhode Islanders get well-coordinated care that better addresses all of their needs, and more elderly Rhode Islanders get the necessary long-term support to age safely in their homes and communities, when possible.
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Additionally, officials said the funds will help the state focus on better care coordination through managed care organizations and new partnerships.
Twitter: @BethJSanborn