Establishment of the Rhode Island Health Benefits Exchange - RI Executive Order No. 11-09

Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee signed an Executive Order on September 19, 2011, establishing the Rhode Island Health Benefit Exchange within the Executive Department.  The Exchange is to provide health care coverage for those lacking access to insurance and improve the quality and accessibility of health care coverage.  The Executive Order also establishes a Board consisting of 13 members, including the Director of the Department of Administration, the Health Insurance Commissioner, Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and the Director of the Department of Health, and nine members appointed by the Governor representing diverse stakeholders.  No board member may be affiliated with a health care provider, health clinic, health care facility, or health insurer.  Board members will not be compensated for their service on the Board.  The Rhode Island Health Benefit Exchange will retain discretion to chose which plans are offered through the Exchange.  The Exchange will contract with insurers who provide the most value and quality to consumers and small employers.