AdvoCasey: Spring 2001

Heavy Duty

By the Annie E. Casey Foundation

March 21, 2001

Summary

This issue of AdvoCasey examines options for providing tax breaks to those who need them most — poor and near-poor working families. Readers will also learn about critical housing needs nationwide and specific state-based efforts to connect residents to health care and better child care options.   

AdvoCasey is a seasonal Casey newsletter with themed issues that spotlight programs and policies making measurable differences in the lives of kids and families.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

Rhode Island has emerged as a leader in connecting low-income working families with health insurance

In 1994, Rhode Island launched RIte Care, a public health insurance program that now serves low- and moderate-income working families. The program’s successes are striking. In 1999, just 7% of Rhode Islanders lacked health insurance — the lowest uninsurance rate in the nation. Equally impressive: 90% of 2-year-olds had received their basic immunizations, and the proportion of women receiving adequate prenatal care via state-purchased insurance improved, jumping from 58% in 1994 to 70% in 1998.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations