Medical assistance expansion for pregnant women/RIte Start - R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 42-12.3-3

The director of the department of human services has authority to extend Medicaid coverage pregnant women with family income levels between 185%-250% of the federal poverty level. The director must “establish a payor of last resort program to cover prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care” for women that are not eligible for Medicaid coverage. When appropriate, and subject to appropriations, the department should provide “enhanced services” to pregnant women eligible for Medicaid or the expanded services. These enhanced services must include “care coordination, nutrition and social service counseling, high risk obstetrical care, childbirth and parenting preparation programs, smoking cessation programs, outpatient counseling for drug-alcohol use, interpreter services, mental health services, and home visitation.”