Child Care Providers Advised to Close for this Week: March 16-20, 2020

RIBridges Alert

Alert for DHS customers about a recent data breach. Click here for more info.

Applications Update

There is an important update regarding application reviews. For more information, visit: https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services

Applying for Benefits

The customer portal (healthyrhode.ri.gov and the HealthyRhode mobile app) is not available because of the data breach. You can apply for all benefits by phone by calling 1-855-697-4347, in person at a DHS office, or by mail. Visit https://dhs.ri.gov/apply-now for more information. Please click here to find application assistance.

RIBridges Updates

The RIBridges system managed by Deloitte is currently offline, and the State is working closely with Deloitte to address the cybersecurity threat and bring the system back online. The programs managed through the RIBridges system include but are not limited to: Medicaid, HSRI medical coverage, SNAP, RI Works, CCAP, LTSS, GPA, LTSS, and At Home Cost Share. Customers can take steps today to protect themselves, utilizing credit freezes, fraud alerts, and updating passwords. Any customer who sees suspicious activity on their EBT card should change their PIN. Changing your EBT PIN frequently, before or around the time of benefit issuance, is a fraud prevention best practice to protect your benefits. To change your PIN, call ebtEdge at 1-888-979-9939. Additional instructions on how to protect your benefits can be found here.

-Please be advised benefits for the month of December for most programs have already been disbursed.

-DHS regional offices remain open and are processing paper applications and forms at this time.

- The Call Center (1-855-697-4347) will be offering extended hours Monday-Wednesday ( Jan. 13-17). and take incoming calls from 4-7 p.m. to assist all callers in the queue.

Fair Hearing - How to Request Without Web (Mail, Call, Visit)

While the customer portal (healthyrhode.ri.gov and the HealthyRhode mobile app) is not available, fair hearings can only be requested by phone, in person, or by mail.

To file an appeal regarding Medicaid and Purchased Health Coverage through HealthSource RI, call HealthSource RI at 1-855-840-HSRI (4774). For questions about filing an appeal for human services programs such as SNAP, RIW, Child Care, GPA, or SSP call the Department of Human Services at 1-855-MY-RI-DHS (1-855-697-4347).

To request a fair hearing in person, please visit your nearest DHS office.

To request a fair hearing by mail, please mail your completed Appeal Form to PO Box 8709, Cranston, RI 02920.

For more information about the fair hearing process, please visit the Appeals Office page.

Child Care Providers Advised to Close for this Week: March 16-20, 2020

Published on Monday, March 16, 2020

In an abundance of caution, the State of RI is now advising all child care programs (both family child care and center-based providers) to close effective March 16, 2020, for the week. Child care providers were notified over the weekend. We understand the impact this will have on working families, and are working diligently to design plans to provide care for professionals critical to the response of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

There are many questions for families and the State is working on responding with more information as soon as we can. We are doing the same with our valued providers, and they have been in contact with DHS's Office of Child Care with their specific questions. Please know we are coordinating closely with our federal partners on this.

For latest updates, questions or guidance related to COVID-19, please continue to contact the RI Department of Health by phone at 401-222-8022 or by checking its website (see link below).