Benefits for seniors in Rhode Island

Medicaid for people 65 and over

The Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) runs Medicaid. The Department of Human Services (DHS) takes applications. People 65 and over can qualify in three main ways:

• You get SSI. If you get Supplemental Security Income, you get Medicaid automatically.
• Your income is low. Your income is at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. For 2026, the poverty guideline for one person is $15,960 a year. Your countable resources (savings, bank accounts and similar) must be under $4,000 for one person or $6,000 for a married couple.
• Spend down. If your income is too high but you have large medical bills, the state can subtract those bills from your income over a six-month period. This can bring you under the limit.

Medicaid can also pay for care in the three months before you applied, if you ask on the application.

Long-term care Medicaid

Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) pay for nursing home care or care at home. You must meet financial rules and a "level of care" test. Your resources must be under $4,000. If your income is above a set amount, you pay part of the cost. If you are married, your spouse at home can keep part of your shared resources, up to $162,660 in 2026. Home equity above $752,000 can block eligibility.

Estate recovery: Rhode Island can recover Medicaid costs paid from age 55 onward from your estate after you die. It does not do this while a spouse, a child under 21, or a blind or disabled child survives you.

Help paying Medicare costs

Rhode Island calls its Medicare Savings Programs the Medicare Premium Payment Program (MPPP). Its limits are higher than the federal minimum.

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Pays your Part A and Part B premiums, plus deductibles and copays. Monthly income up to $1,683 for one person or $2,275 for a couple.
• QI (Qualified Individual): Pays your Part B premium only. Monthly income up to $2,255 for one person or $3,050 for a couple. Funding is limited and goes first come, first served.
• SLMB: Since February 1, 2026, people who would have fit SLMB are placed in QMB instead.

Resource limit: $9,950 for one person or $14,910 for a couple.

Everyone gets a $20 income disregard, so apply even if you are a little over. If you get any of these programs, you also get Extra Help with Part D drug costs automatically.

Prescription drug help

RIPAE (Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to Elders) helps pay for approved medicines while you are in the deductible stage of your Part D plan. Levels 1 to 3 are for people 65 and over. Level 4 is for people 55 to 64 with a disability. Your level depends on your yearly income. Check the current income limits with the Office of Healthy Aging at 401-462-0560.

You should also check whether you qualify for Extra Help. It can cut your drug copays to $5.10 for generics and $12.65 for brand-name drugs.

Extra state payment with SSI

Rhode Island pays a small State Supplemental Payment (SSP) on top of federal SSI.

• Living in your own home: $39.92 a month for one person, or $79.38 for a couple. DHS pays this.
• Assisted living: up to $332 a month for one person, depending on your income. Social Security pays this one.

The federal SSI payment in 2026 is $994 a month for one person.

Food help

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps you buy groceries.

• Simple form for older adults: If everyone in your household is 60 or older or disabled and no one has earnings from work, you can use the shorter Elderly and Simplified Application (ESAP).
• Work rules: New federal work rules can apply to people up to age 64. People 65 and over are exempt by age.
• Apply: Online at healthyrhode.ri.gov, or call DHS at 1-855-697-4347.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: If you are 60 or older and your income is up to $29,526 a year for one person ($40,034 for two), you can get a $50 card for fresh produce, herbs and honey at farmers markets and farm stands. Cards are handed out at senior centers starting in early June. Questions: 401-222-4700.

Help staying at home

• Medicaid home and community-based care: If you qualify for Medicaid LTSS, you can get help at home such as personal care, homemaker services, Meals on Wheels, adult day care, respite, an emergency response button, home changes and assisted living. You can also choose to direct your own care. Call the DHS Long-Term Care office at 401-574-8474.
• At HOME Cost Share: For people 65 and over (or younger people with Alzheimer's or a related dementia) who do not qualify for Medicaid. Income must be under 250% of the poverty level. There is no asset limit. The state pays part of the cost of in-home help and adult day programs, and you pay a share based on income. Call The POINT at 401-462-4444.
• PACE: For people 55 and over who can live safely at home and live in a service area. PACE has centers in Providence, Woonsocket and Westerly. It covers medical care, day programs, home care, medicines and rides. Enrollment line: 401-490-6566.

Property tax and housing help

Property tax relief credit (Form RI-1040H): If you are 65 or older or get Social Security disability, and your household income is $40,730 or less, you can get a credit of up to $700. This is for tax year 2025, filed in 2026.

• Homeowners use the property tax they paid.
• Renters count 20% of the rent they paid. Attach your lease or three rent receipts.
• You must have lived in Rhode Island all year. The 2025 claim was due April 15, 2026.

Many cities and towns also give their own property tax exemptions to older residents. Ask your local tax assessor.

Help with energy bills

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps pay heating bills. Your income must be at or below 60% of state median income. For the season that began October 1, 2026, that is about $43,410 a year for one person or $56,767 for two. You do not need to have an unpaid bill, and renters can apply.

Apply through your local Community Action Program (CAP) agency, usually from September through May. If you are older or disabled, the CAP agency can set up a nearby place for you to apply. You can also apply online through the DHS portal or call 1-855-697-4347.

Free help and counseling

• The POINT / Aging and Disability Resource Center: 401-462-4444, open 24/7. Free help for people 55 and over, people with disabilities and caregivers. Website: myoptions.ri.gov.
• Rhode Island SHIP (free Medicare counseling): 1-888-884-8721. Counselors can review your Medicare and Part D choices, especially during Open Enrollment from October 15 to December 7.
• Office of Healthy Aging (state aging department): 401-462-3000 (TTY 401-462-0740), 25 Howard Ave, Building 57, Cranston, RI 02920. Website: oha.ri.gov.

How to apply

Check what you may qualify for