FAQs

1. Who can I call with questions, concerns or complaints?
2. Can I change my Primary Care Doctor?
3. Why do I need a Primary Care Doctor?
4. What do I receive when I join Neighborhood?
5. Who is eligible to enroll with Neighborhood?
6. How can I join Neighborhood?
7. What do I do if I need a dentist?
8. What do I do if I need Vision Care?
9. Does Neighborhood offer transportation?
10. How can I obtain specialty care?
11.What do I do if I am out of my service area and need to see a doctor?

1. Who can I call with questions, concerns or complaints?
Our Member Services Department is available to assist you. Call us at 1-800-459-6019, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our staff speak many languages and can answer any question that you may have about your health plan benefits.  Please remember that you may also speak to your primary care doctor about your medical concerns. Your primary care doctor and his/her staff are there to help.

If you need further assistance, you may also contact Neighborhood’s Member Advocate at 1-401-459-6172.  A Member Advocate is someone who can help you if you are not satisfied with the help you received from Neighborhood.

The Rhode Island Department of Human Services is responsible for regulating health care services plans. If at any time you are not satisfied with Neighborhood’s review of your complaint, you may request a hearing from the Department of Human Services and/or the Department of Health Center for Child and Family Health.  For more information call the State RIte Care Information line at 462-5300.
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2. Can I change my Primary Care Doctor?
Yes. As a member of Neighborhood, we want you to be comfortable with your assigned primary care doctor. Neighborhood has a large group of doctors for you to choose from and your existing doctor may already be with Neighborhood. You may change your doctor by calling our Member Services Department at 1-800-459-6019. A change of doctor can be requested at any time, but it can take up to 30 days for the change to take effect.
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3. Why do I need a Primary Care Doctor?
Neighborhood wants to make sure that you get the best quality care and service. This is why a Primary Care Doctor is assigned to you. This Primary Care Doctor will be your own personal doctor. Your Primary Care Doctor will be responsible for all of your medical care and for referring you to another doctor when needed.  We call this a “medical home”.
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4. What do I receive when I join Neighborhood?
When you become a member of Neighborhood, you will receive your new member identification card and a "Welcome Booklet" within the first 10 days of eligibility. The "Welcome Booklet" will include a welcome letter, Member Handbook, Provider Directory and Evidence Of Coverage.  Carry your Neighborhood ID card with you when visiting your doctor, filling your prescriptions, or getting care from a hospital emergency room. The Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island ID card identifies you as a member of Neighborhood. But remember to also carry with you your white “Anchor” Medical Assistance Card. This card determines your Medical Assistance eligibility status. Please remember to keep these ID cards in a safe place and never let anyone else use your Neighborhood ID card or white “Anchor” card.
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5. Who is eligible to enroll with Neighborhood?
Eligible RIte Care members may join. If you are not sure if you can enroll with Neighborhood, contact Neighborhood at 1-800-459-6016 or your eligibility worker.
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6. How can I join Neighborhood?
You can call Neighborhood Customer Service at 1-800-459-6019. We will go over the RIte Care guidelines with you, tell you if you may qualify and give you a phone number for a Family Resource Counselor, or you may contact RIte Care directly at 1-401-462-5300. DHS will mail you an enrollment packet that you will need to fill out and mail back to them

For adults with disabilities with Medicaid-only, call Rhody Health Partners Enrollment Helpline: Call 1-401-784-8877

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7. What do I do if I need a dentist?
If you need dental services, you may get care from any dentist who accepts Medical Assistance. You will need your white “Anchor” card in order to receive services. Neighborhood does not offer dental services, but when dental services need to be done in a hospital, your dentist will need to contact Neighborhood to arrange services.
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8. What do I do if I need vision care?
As a member of Neighborhood, your vision care is covered.  Go to the “Specialists” section of the Provider Directory and look up “Optometry” to find a provider near you. You may also contact Neighborhood’s Member Services Department at 1-800-459-6019 for assistance.

Your primary care doctor may also be able to help you find a vision care center.
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9. Does Neighborhood offer transportation?
Yes. Emergency transportation is available to you in life-threatening situations. You may call 911 directly and an ambulance will be sent to you. Please remember that ambulances are for life threatening emergencies only and should not be used for routine medical care. You may be responsible for services if you use an ambulance for non-emergency conditions.

For routine medical appointments or non-urgent medical care, Neighborhood’s Member Services Department can help you get transportation. Bus passes are available for free and, in certain cases, taxicabs can be made available. Call Neighborhood’s Member Services Department at 1-800-459-6019 for assistance.
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10. How can I obtain specialty care?
You can get specialty care appointments by calling the specialists directly.  Click here for the listing of specialty care doctors in our network.  Please make sure your primary care doctor knows when you receive any necessary medical care services.
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11.  What do I do if I am out of my service area and need to see a doctor?
In case of a life-threatening emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 911 immediately. Please be sure to let your primary care doctor know when you receive any necessary medical care services.
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