Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

By Peter Lord
Journal Staff Writer

PROVIDENCE -- The proceeds from last year's $20-million settlement over potential corruption charges against Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island are going to help fund a key part of the state's health care system that insurers are often accused of underfunding -- the doctors, nurses, dentists and others providing primary care; the routine medical exams; and initial visits designed to prevent illness or send patients to medical specialists.

Neil Steinberg, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, announced at a press conference this morning that more than $800,000 will be distributed annually to doctors and clinics providing so-called primary care.

Also, to help encourage more medical people to enter the field, about one quarter of the fund's annual proceeds will anchor a first-in-Rhode Island program to cover school loans for doctors and other medical practitioners specializing in primary care.

Steinberg said the new medical programs were recommended by a consultant and medical experts across the state.

The $20-million settlement from Blue Cross was invested in securities whose value has dropped to $15 million, Steinberg said. But Steinberg said the remaining funds should be helping Rhode Islanders for decades to come.

Joining him at the press conference were U.S. Attorney Robert Corrente, who negotiated the settlement, and Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts.

 Tags  Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island corruption Rhode Island Foundation settlement

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