RI Cancer Council Web Site Redesigned with Important Insurance Information

Pawtucket, Rhode Island - February 23, 2004 - Navigating the health care system when one is healthy can be difficult enough, but when one is diagnosed with a potentially life threatening disease, such as cancer, the importance of understanding health insurance is magnified. In response to this need and to the number of calls received, the Rhode Island Cancer Council (RICAN) has redesigned its web site and created a special section dealing specifically with health insurance terms and health insurance information.

Broken down into seven sections, the insurance section of the Cancer Council's web site is thorough and easy to understand. It will provide the jumping off point for patients and family members to gain a basic understanding of health insurance issues and know what questions to ask and where to go to get the answers.

What is covered under Insurance Information

The RICAN web site insurance section is divided into seven key areas.

1.		2003 Medicare Coverage in Rhode Island This section shows exactly what screening and diagnosis is covered; what treatment is covered and other coverage for breast prostheses and clinical trials; also provides a link to the Medicare and RI Department of Elderly Affairs web sites.
2.		Health Protection Under the Law This section shows how the law protects you and your health care coverage in the event of sickness or loss of job. It also explains limits on protection.
3.		Important Insurance Terms for Rhode Island Provides definitions of general insurance terms, COBRA terms and Medicare terms.
4.		Insurance Health Benefits Required Under Rhode Island Law Shows required health benefits for cancer and health benefit terms.
5.		Specific Health Insurance Policies in Rhode Island Gives details of the different types of policies available, such as disability and long-terms care; also insurance policy terms.
6.		Understanding Medicaid Coverage - 2004 Details what is Medicaid; who is eligible; characteristics of Medicaid coverage; RIteCare and RIteShare; what Medicaid covers and link to the Department of Human Services web site.
7.		Understanding Medicare Coverage - 2004 Details what is Medicare; paying Medicare premiums; expenses Medicare doesn't cover; Medicare health plans.

All of this insurance information as well as detailed cancer prevention, screening and treatment information and hospice resources, can be found at the Rhode Island Cancer Council web site at www.ricancercouncil.org.

The Rhode Island Cancer Council, established in 1999, is a state supported community program whose mission is to help lower cancer's toll in Rhode Island. Since our inception, we have helped thousands of Rhode Islanders find vital resources to deal with their cancer, learn what can be done to prevent cancer and ways to detect it early. RICAN provides public education programs, professional education and public information. Rhode Islanders in search of cancer information and resources may call us at 728-4800 or toll-free at 1-866-879-4100. All of our services are free.